7 volcanic quakes, 309 rockfall events recorded in Mayon in past 24 hours
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday, June 14, said it recorded seven volcanic earthquakes and 309 rockfall events in Mayon in the past 24 hours.
These are more than the previous 24-hour monitoring of Albay’s restive volcano, which recorded one volcanic quake and 221 rockfall events.
“Thin ash from the rockfalls and continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that bent and crept downslope before drifting general east,” Phivolcs said in a bulletin issued at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
Furthermore, a very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater, emplacing lava flow and collapse debris on the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, on the south and southeastern sides, respectively, within about a kilometer of the crater, was observed.
According to Phivolcs, seven four-minute-long dome-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) was detected via seismic signals as well as visually observed.
Likewise, fair crater glow, or “banaag,” and incandescent rockfall shed from new fluidal lava at Mayon Volcano’s summit were constantly observed.
Mayon Volcano emits steam-laden plumes on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. The province of Albay was placed under state of calamity due to the threat of volcanic eruption. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)
Mayon Volcano emits steam-laden plumes on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. The province of Albay was placed under state of calamity due to the threat of volcanic eruption. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)
Parameters still indicate high-level unrest
Mayon Volcano is “currently in a relatively high level of unrest,” due to magma in the crater. It has been on alert level 3 since June 8, indicating that a “hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days.” The evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone has been recommended due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. Phivolcs warned the public to be cautious of PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice. It pointed out that heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows on channels where PDC deposits were emplaced. Likewise, it said that ash fall events may “most likely” occur on the south side of the volcano, based on the current prevailing wind pattern. Phivolcs advised civil aviation authorities to ask pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano because ash from sudden eruption may pose hazards to aircraft.