Phivolcs observes increased activity in Mayon; Alert Level 3 stays
Four dome collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) from the lava dome of Mayon Volcano were recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday, June 30, indicating an increase in the activity of the restive volcano in Albay.
In a bulletin issued at 8 p.m., Phivolcs reported a series of three- to four-kilometer-long PDCs down the Basud Gully on Mayon’s eastern slope, which lasted four minutes.
“This series was preceded by a longer, eight minute-long PDC on the Basud Gully earlier in the day at 1:01 p.m., observation of which was hampered by cloud cover,” it pointed out.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a very slow lava effusion from Mayon Volcano’s summit crater continued for the fifth night on June 15, 2023, resulting in more rockfall events and pyroclastic density currents. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)
Ashfall reaches Tabaco City
According to some residents in Tabaco City, the volcanic activity resulted in ashfall, which was also captured by the Mayon Resthouse IP camera. Phivolcs said satellite monitors have detected a significant increase in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions on June 29, while SO2 emissions measured by campaign survey on June 30 averaged 1,002 tons per day. “The increase in volcanic gas flux is only slightly above background and still below the typical ranges of eruption gas flux from Mayon,” it pointed. Furthermore, the Mayon Volcano Network has recorded 48 weak low-frequency volcanic earthquakes since 5 a.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, seismic energy release has remained relatively constant since June 15.Communities within 8-km radius asked to prepare
According to Phivolcs, Mayon Volcano is still on Alert Level 3, which means that an “increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption” is still possible. However, it noted that changes in the dispersal and runout of PDCs are being closely monitored. Phivolcs warned communities within the seven- to eight-kilometer radius from the Mayon crater to brace themselves in case the current PDC activity worsens. It also advised civil aviation authorities to ask pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano because ash from sudden eruption may pose hazards to aircraft.