MANILA— The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 on Friday following a moderately explosive eruption that sent an ash plume 3,000 meters above its summit.

The eruption occurred at 11:53 a.m. on October 30, producing a dense, rapidly ascending and billowing ash plume that was carried west-southwest by moderate winds.

In its 12:30 p.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said ashfall was expected in Daraga, Guinobatan, and nearby municipalities in Albay.

The agency raised the volcano’s alert status from Level 2, which indicates decreased unrest, to Level 3, signaling an increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption.

PHIVOLCS said Mayon had entered a new phase of magmatic eruption, increasing the possibility of lava flows and hazardous pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as uson, affecting the upper to middle slopes in the coming days to weeks.

Authorities were advised to evacuate residents within the volcano’s six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to the risks of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

PHIVOLCS also urged heightened vigilance against PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden streamflows along waterways draining the volcano.

Civil aviation authorities were advised to direct pilots to avoid flying close to Mayon’s summit, as ash from sudden eruptions could endanger aircraft.

Based on prevailing wind patterns, PHIVOLCS said ashfall was most likely to affect areas south of the volcano.

The agency said it would continue monitoring Mayon and provide updates on any significant developments.