SINGAPORE - Singaporeans should avoid travelling to Mayon Volcano in the Philippines and nearby areas, due to a possible major eruption of the volcano, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Tuesday (Jan 23).

The ministry said in a travel advisory that Singaporeans currently in Albay Province, where Mayon Volcano is located, and nearby regions should monitor the local news closely, take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.

They should also get comprehensive travel and medical insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage, the advisory added.

The Philippine authorities on Monday (Jan 22) raised the alert level for Mayon Volcano to level four, which indicates an imminent hazardous eruption, after the volcano spewed ash and lava on the same day.

The Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded ash plumes rising to 3km above the crater, as well as five episodes of intense but sporadic lava fountaining up to 700m, it said in a statement on Monday.

The institute also extended the danger zone to 8km from the summit vent and has warned the public to be vigilant and refrain from entering this area.

Updates on Mayon Volcano can be found at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

MFA also advised Singaporeans to check with their airline providers before travelling as volcanic eruptions may cause flight disruptions.

People intending to travel to the Philippines are also encouraged to e-Register with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/

Those in need of consular assistance can contact the Singapore Embassy in Manila or the MFA Duty Office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in the Philippines

505 Rizal Drive Bonifacio Global City Taguig

Telephone: (63-2) 856-9922, (63-917) 860-4740 (after office hours)

E-mail: singemb_mnl@mfa.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hour)

Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Telephone: (65 ) 6379-8800, (65) 6379-8855

E-mail: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg