235 rockfall events recorded at Mayon as Alert Level 3 persists
By Jel Santos
(PHIVOLCS)
Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, recorded 235 rockfall events over a 24-hour period from 12 a.m. on Jan. 17 to 12 a.m. on Jan. 18, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
During the same monitoring period, the agency recorded 48 pyroclastic density currents at the volcano.
Phivolcs stated that sulfur dioxide emissions from Mayon Volcano were measured at 4,970 tonnes per day on Jan. 16.
The agency said the crater glow was fairly visible to the naked eye.
Meanwhile, it said the plume was obscured from view.
The agency said ground deformation data indicate that the volcano’s edifice remains inflated.
Phivolcs reiterated its warning against entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and cautioned against unauthorized access to the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ).
It also stressed that aircraft are not allowed to fly near the volcano.
While Alert Level 3 remains in effect, Phivolcs said possible hazards include rockfalls, landslides or avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, pyroclastic density currents, moderate explosions, and lahars triggered by heavy and prolonged rainfall.