Mayon, Taal show increased activity

Mayon Volcano recorded 256 rockfall events and 41 pyroclastic density currents over a 24-hour period, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Sunday.

The volcano, located in Albay province, remains under Alert Level 3, indicating an increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption. The alert has been in effect since 6 January.

According to state volcanologists, Mayon’s edifice remains inflated, and sulfur dioxide emissions reached 777 metric tons on 10 January.

Moderate steam plumes rising up to 200 meters were observed drifting northeast. Phivolcs warned of potential hazards, including landslides, lava flows, and “uson,” or volcanic ash clouds.

Authorities continue to prohibit entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone and have advised pilots to avoid flying aircraft near the summit.

To the south, Taal Volcano in Batangas province also showed signs of unrest, recording 20 volcanic earthquakes and 14 tremors in the last 24 hours. Some tremors lasted up to 125 minutes.

On Friday night, Taal experienced its first phreatomagmatic eruption of the month. The four-minute event produced a plume approximately 900 meters high. This follows a series of similar minor eruptions reported in November and December.

Taal remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level unrest. Phivolcs maintained its prohibition on entering Taal Volcano Island, particularly the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

Boating on Taal Lake and flying near the volcano are also restricted due to the risk of steam-driven explosions and lethal gas accumulations.