BACOLOD City – Mt. Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 with continuous ash emissions and increased volcanic activity, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) yesterday, February 2.
The volcano has been releasing a 150-meter-tall volcanic plume, accompanied by occasional ash emissions drifting northwest and west. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions remained elevated at 4,328 tonnes per day, indicating sustained unrest beneath the surface.
Following this, authorities warned that ashfall may affect communities downwind of the volcano. Residents were advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks or damp cloths over their noses and mouths, keeping windows and doors closed, and protecting water sources from contamination.
Those with respiratory conditions, children and the elderly were urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
PHIVOLCS reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) remains strictly prohibited due to the risk of sudden ash explosions, steam-driven eruptions, and rockfalls.
It added that air traffic near the volcano is also restricted as volcanic emissions could affect visibility and aircraft safety./PN
