ALBAY – The eruptive phase of Mt. Mayon, one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago, though apparently scaling down in intensity, could remain at its restive state for as long as a few more months, authorities pointed out Monday.
What’s more, in the face of the recent days of intermittent rains, there is the lurking risk of mobilized lahar loosened up from the flanks of the almost perfectly conical shape of the volcano’s sides, now somewhat scarred by channels created by flowing lava spewed by the eruption.
The public school grounds situated around the foot of the volcano are scenes of classes and lessons during daytime, and temporary evacuation shelter at night.
Ed Laguerta, the Bicol Region resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), explained that, as long as the active effusion of volcanic material, ash, smoke and steam continues, then there is reason to believe that pressure continues to build up from underneath the crater mouth, which, in turn implies that the eruptive phase has not died down, or is in remission.
This is taken as an ominous hint by the displaced villagers, who have witnessed the intensity of the eruption and fountaining of lava and dislodging of huge boulders and rocks, down the slopes, and so many tend to balk at returning to their homes in the meantime.
Lava channels have crept out to more than three kilometers from the crater.
