Phivolcs observes faint crater glow at Mayon Volcano summit


(PHIVOLCS FILE)

A faint crater glow at the summit of Mayon Volcano in Albay was seen through a telescope on Wednesday, Oct. 5, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Aside from the observation of the crater glow, Phivolcs said that so far there has been no siginificant change in the active volcano’s activity.

Mayon volcano has been on Alert Level 1 since Aug. 21, which means the volcano is showing abnormal conditions and is under a period of unrest.

In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic earthquake and a moderate plume emission that drifted west-northwestward then westward.

Its sulfur dioxide emission averaged 391 tons per day on Oct. 1.

Phivolcs reminded the public that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone must be strictly avoided due to an increase in the chances of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption, as well as the perennial hazards of rockfalls, avalanches and ash bursts at the summit area, that may occur without warning.

Furthermore, people living in valleys and active river channels are cautioned to remain vigilant against sediment-laden streamflows and lahars in the event of prolonged and heavy rainfall.