The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday, March 16 lowered the alert status of Mayon Volcano in Albay from Alert Level 2 (moderate-level unrest) to Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest).

“This means that the volcano’s state of unrest has declined to low levels and that the likelihood of an eruption occurring within the immediate future has diminished,” it said in an advisory.

Phivolcs noted that it had observed a “steady decline” in Mayon Volcano’s monitored parameters since the beginning of 2023.

However, it pointed out that the lowering of the alert status should not be interpreted as a complete cessation of unrest.

“In the event of a renewed increase in any one or combination of the monitoring parameters, the alert status may step up once again to Alert Level 2. On the other hand, if there is a noticeable return to baseline levels of ground deformation and sustained low levels of other monitoring parameters, then the alert status may further step down,” Phivolcs said.

It reminded the public to avoid entering the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the perennial hazards of rockfall, avalanche, ash puff, and sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption in the summit area.

Civil aviation authorities are also being asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption could be hazardous to aircraft.

Furthermore, people living in valleys and active river channels are advised to remain vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in case of prolonged and heavy rainfall caused by the rainy season.