The Worst is Over?

The Worst is Over?

"Philvolcs considers lower alert level as Mayon calms down"

LEGAZPI City, Albay - officials of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) announced that they are seriously considering the possibility of lowering the alert level around Mt. Mayon within the next few days after the volcano dramatically showed signs of quieting down, nearly three weeks after it started spewing ash and lava.

No ash explosion has been observed for more than 24 hours and rumblings around the volcano  have lessened significantly, just  days after it was believed that a violent eruption was imminent.

The Philvolcs told the  local media that "if no significant events should occur during the next few days," it would seriously "consider the possibility of lowering the alert level from 4 to 3.

The agency has maintained level 4 of a 5-level alert status around the volcano since Dec.20, meaning that a major "hazardous" eruption is imminent. Level 3 means this kind of eruption is possible within weeks.

However, research scientist Alex Baloloy said that the Philvolcs will wait at least three more days before it finally makes the recommendation, if any, to lower the alert level around Mt. Mayon.