A decrease in volcanic activity began on 3 July that led PHIVOLCS to reduce the Alert Level on 4 July from 5 (hazardous eruption in progress) to 4 (hazardous eruption imminent). In comparison to the previous week SO2 emissions decreased, seismic activity was lower, the rate of inflation of the volcano's edifice decreased, and there was no ash in the steam clouds that emanated from the crater. Alert Level 4 was maintained due to the possibility of minor ash puffs and secondary explosions caused by the contact of water with the voluminous hot lava. The extended danger zone was reduced from 8 km to 7 km in radius. On 4 July ~20,000 people who were evacuated from the most distal parts of the evacuation zone were permitted to return to their homes.

Geological Summary. Symmetrical Mayon, which rises above the Albay Gulf NW of Legazpi City, is the most active volcano of the Philippines. The steep upper slopes are capped by a small summit crater. Recorded eruptions since 1616 CE range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often damaged populated lowland areas. A violent eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns.

Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Associated Press