Resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta said the lava flow observed at the eastern side of the Bonga Gully, or facing the Legazpi City side of Mayon Volcano yesterday morning, may indicate that an eruption could be forthcoming.
Laguerta said the lava flow shows that there is pressure-build-up underneath the restive volcano. He added that the occurrence of increased seismic activity may force them to upgrade the alert status to Alert Level 4, which means that a hazardous eruption is imminent within days.
Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said that the quiet lava flow yesterday is a manifestation of high unrest inside the volcano.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said evacuation have already been completed with more than 12,500 families, or more than 55,000 people, currently housed in 48 evacuation centers in Albay.
