Mayon Volcano alert level 3 holds as ash column rises

Mayon Volcano rumbled again and sent a giant ash column sky high while the alert level remained at 3, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The agency said the setting held after its latest 24-hour monitoring period. Mayon stands 2,462 meters, or 8,007 feet, and is one of the Philippines’ top tourism draws.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

The institute based its decision on the latest 24-hour monitoring, keeping alert level 3 in place. That level means the volcano is still being watched closely as activity continues.

Mayon is the most active of the country’s 24 restive volcanoes. Its near-perfect cone shape has also made it a major draw for visitors, which adds to the number of people who may be paying attention to any change in the alert status.

Mayon Volcano

The volcano’s 2,462-meter height, listed as 8,007 feet, is part of what makes the ash plume visible from far away. For people in nearby areas, the practical question is whether the alert level moves again after the next monitoring period.

For now, the key fact is that the volcano has already thrown ash high into the air, but the official status has not moved beyond alert level 3. That leaves attention on the next monitoring update and any further rise in activity.