THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the status of Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 1 due to slight short-term inflation of the volcano edifice.In an advisory issued on August 21, 2022, Phivolcs said the volcano is exhibiting “abnormal conditions” and has entered a period of unrest.Phivolcs said the entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Mayon must be strictly avoided due to an increase in the chances of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption, as well as the perennial hazards of rockfalls, avalanches and ash bursts at the summit area, that may occur without warning.“Furthermore, people living in valleys and active river channels are cautioned to remain vigilant against sediment-laden streamflows and lahars in the event of prolonged and heavy rainfall brought about by the advent of the rainy season,” it said.In an update on August 22, the agency said there were no volcanic earthquakes nor low-level background tremors monitored in Mayon.It said 1,800 meters tall voluminous emissions of plume towards west-northwest and east-northeast were recorded.There is also slight inflation of Taal Volcano Island and Western Taal Caldera while deflation of Eastern Taal Caldera. (SunStar Philippines)