Mayon Volcano lava flow progresses despite 'weakening' effusion — Phivolcs
For the fourth consecutive day, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observed a “weakening” of the slow effusion of lava from the Mayon Volcano’s crater on Sunday, July 30.
“In the past 24-hour period, there has been a marked weakening of slow lava effusion from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano that fed lava flows on the Mi-isi (south), Bonga (southeastern), and Basud (eastern) gullies,” Phivolcs said in a bulletin issued at 8 a.m.
“Respectively, these lava flows have maintained distal lengths of approximately 2.8 kilometers, 3.4 kilometers, and 600 meters from the crater,” it added.
Phivolcs first noticed the weakening of lava effusion on July 27.
Mayon Volcano (Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin)
However, Phivolcs said the volcano is still on Alert Level 3, which means that a hazardous eruption is still possible within weeks or even days. It recorded 68 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes and 18 rockfall occurrences in the past 24 hours. Communities near the restive volcano are recommended to maintain increased vigilance against lahars and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows. Since Mayon Volcano’s status was upgraded twice in the past month, first to level 2 on June 5 and then to level 3 on June 8, Phivolcs strongly advised that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone be strictly prohibited. Furthermore, it warned that ash fall may occur in areas south of Mayon Volcano due to current wind patterns. Phivolcs advised pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit because ash from a sudden eruption can be dangerous to aircraft.
Mayon Volcano (Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin)
However, Phivolcs said the volcano is still on Alert Level 3, which means that a hazardous eruption is still possible within weeks or even days. It recorded 68 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes and 18 rockfall occurrences in the past 24 hours. Communities near the restive volcano are recommended to maintain increased vigilance against lahars and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows. Since Mayon Volcano’s status was upgraded twice in the past month, first to level 2 on June 5 and then to level 3 on June 8, Phivolcs strongly advised that entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone be strictly prohibited. Furthermore, it warned that ash fall may occur in areas south of Mayon Volcano due to current wind patterns. Phivolcs advised pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit because ash from a sudden eruption can be dangerous to aircraft.