Mayon volcano active, 388 rockfalls within 24 hrs

Mayon Volcano logged a total of 338 rockfall events and 72 Pyroclastic Density Currents  in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday.

The Mayon Volcano remained in alert level 3 as it remained on intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest status while lava dome and lava flow effusion were also seen at the volcano.

Furthermore, Phivolcs also noted that a crater glow can be seen with the naked eye. On Saturday, Mayon Volcano emitted 4,970 tons of sulfur dioxide, and obscured plumes were observed throughout the 24-hour observation.

Phivolcs reminded the public that possible hazards may include: rockfalls, landslides, or avalanches; ballistic fragments; lava flows and lava fountaining; pyroclastic density currents; moderate-sized explosions; and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Furthermore, Phivolcs said that entry into the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and entry without vigilance into the Extended Danger Zone, as well as flying any aircraft close to the Volcano, are prohibited.

Precautions advised

Earlier, the Office of Civil Defense said more precautions are needed in Albay as the Mayon Volcano remains unrest, and given tropical storm ‘Ada,’ an emergency situation may arise.

“Given the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay, additional measures are needed, as tropical storm ‘Ada’ may exacerbate the emergency situation in the province,” Civil Defense Administrator and Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said Friday night.

On Friday, Phivolcs recorded increased seismic energy and volcanic gas release from Mayon Volcano. 

Phivolcs said that three of the volcano’s 16 stations recorded a spike in real-time seismic energy release (RSAM) between Thursday and Friday, despite a lack of volcanic earthquake activity, and remained at zero on Saturday.

“This increase was induced by an increase in the rate of rockfall and pyroclastic density current or PDC activity, which is an indication of a rise in the rates of lava effusion at the summit crater of Mayon,” the Phivolcs advisory read from Friday.