‘Phreatic explosion’ recorded on Mayon

Mayon Volcano spewed ash plumes in a “phreatic explosion” on Sunday noon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs resident volcanologist Dr. Ed Laguerta said the phreatic explosion occurred at around 12:34 p.m. Sunday where it spewed white to light gray ash clouds about 500 meters high.

“The explosion happened following a downpour where the ash emitted was considered minimal,” Laguerta said. He added the phreatic explosion on Sunday “back up our recommendation not to lower the alert status of Mayon volcano as it is still exhibiting signs of abnormalities.”

Mayon volcano has still displayed fair crater glows, sulfur dioxide emission of 1,287 tons a day, way beyond its normal level. Geodetic data gathered indicates bulging at the volcano’s edifice, said the volcanologist.

He said crater glows, high gas emission and inflated edifice are signs that magma and gas pressures are present.

Mayon’s alert status remains at Level 2 which means that the volcano is at a moderate level of unrest.

The public is warned that sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents and ashfall can still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon.