Legazpi city: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported a significant increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from Mayon Volcano, with a recorded average of 6,569 tons on Wednesday. This marks the highest daily emission observed in the past 15 years.

According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs noted in an advisory on Thursday that the average sulfur dioxide emissions for February have increased to 5,503 tons per day, compared to January's average of 2,571 tons per day. Despite this increase, there has been no corresponding rise in rockfall events, pyroclastic density currents, or other indicators of increased lava activity at the summit crater.

The agency observed strong degassing from the summit, along with aseismic ash emissions during the day. Phivolcs warned that the rise in sulfur dioxide concentrations could signal new intrusions into the Mayon edifice, potentially leading to further eruptive activity.

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3, indicating ongoing effusive eruption at the summit. The likelihood of lava fountaining or a moderately explosive eruption has increased. Current activity includes lava flows and collapse-fed rockfalls and pyroclastic density currents on the southern and eastern upper slopes. Potential eruptions could result in similar events on all sectors of the volcano.

The public is advised to remain outside the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone due to volcanic hazards. Residents within an 8-kilometer radius should be prepared for possible evacuation if monitoring parameters escalate and the alert level is raised to Alert Level 4.

Phivolcs also emphasized the need for vigilance and preemptive actions against lahars and sediment-laden streamflows, especially with the anticipated heavy rains over Albay province due to Tropical Storm Basyang. Civil aviation authorities are advised to warn pilots against flying near the volcano's summit, as ash from eruptions poses a risk to aircraft.