Mayon records 150 rockfall events in 24 hours under Alert Level 3 — Phivolcs
By Jel Santos
(PHIVOLCS FILE PHOTO)
A total of 150 rockfall events were recorded at Mayon Volcano from 12 a.m. on Jan. 9 to 12 a.m. on Jan. 10, as the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The agency also said it recorded 90 pyroclastic density currents at the volcano during the same monitoring period.
According to Phivolcs, monitoring data showed lava dome effusion and collapse at Mayon Volcano, as well as signs of incipient lava flow.
Phivolcs stated that sulfur dioxide emissions from Mayon Volcano were measured at 195 tonnes per day on Jan. 8.
The agency reported that volcanic plumes rose to about 500 meters, with moderate emissions drifting toward the west-northwest and southwest.
As such, it noted that ground deformation data showed the volcano edifice remains inflated.
Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and entry without vigilance into the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) remain prohibited.
Likewise, the agency warned that flying any aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed.
It reminded the public and local authorities of the hazards that may occur while Alert Level 3 remains in effect, including rockfalls, landslides or avalanches; ballistic fragments; lava flows and lava fountaining; pyroclastic density currents; moderate-sized explosions; and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.