Mayon Volcano Eruption Underway in the Philippines, Evacuations Ordered

Eruptions are underway at Mayon Volcano, the Philippines most active volcano, prompting officials to evacuate some 50,000 people as fears of an imminent explosive major eruption loom.

"A hazardous eruption is possible within weeks," the head of the Philippines' volcano agency, Renato Solidum, told AFP. "It's already erupting, but not explosive. Currently, the activity is just lava coming down. If there is an explosion, all sides of the volcano are threatened."

Source: Weather.com
 

Mayon Volcano (Eruption 2009) lowered to Alert Level 1

The following observations suggest that Mayon Volcano’s condition is improving and likely heading towards normalcy. In view thereof, PHIVOLCS is now lowering its alert status from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1, meaning that eruption is not imminent. The public, however, is reminded that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains off-limits due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rock falls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Source:
Mayon Volcano Update

Mayon Volcano Eruption 2009 Update: UNDP lauds Philippines disaster management strategy

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has lauded the country’s zero casualty performance during the recent Mayon Volcano eruption and previous disasters and has pledged to help further consolidate the Philippine risk management strategy. In a letter to presidential economic adviser and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda dated Feb. 18, UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer congratulated Salceda for his excellent handling of the recent Mayon eruption emergency. Salceda, a climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction campaigner, has pioneered the preemptive evacuation concept for a zero casualty goal in his province, which was adopted throughout the country by many local government units in time of calamities.

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Mayon Volcano Eruption 2009