Phivolcs to beef up Mt. Mayon monitoring instruments

In the wake of a steam-driven eruption that killed five mountain climbers, state volcanologists bared plans to beef up their monitoring instruments to detect volcanic activity at Mt. Mayon in Albay.

 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will be reinforcing their monitoring instruments to further improve detection of volcanic activities. 

 

“We already have several instruments at (Mayon’s) base, but there is still a need to improve visualization of the geophysical and geodetical trending,” Phivolcs Resident Volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said, according to a report on state-run Philippines News Agency.

 

He said the beefing up of instruments is necessary not only for now but for future research work as well.

 

“All these data can be used in the future and for future scientists for their studies,” he said.

 

Last May 7, Mayon had a steam-driven eruption, spewing ash and smoke. At least five people were killed after being caught in the explosion.

 

However, Laguerta said their present readings indicate "(there) is not so much activity inside the volcano since 2012.”

Normal activity, danger zone necessary
 

Laguerta also said the magma movements at the volcano are normal, noting the gas output of Mayon is "maintained within the normal values with its sulphur dioxide emissions ranging in normal production.”

 

“What happened on May 7 is normal,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, Laguerta reiterated the 6-km permanent danger zone at Mayon must be observed strictly at all times.

 

He added the aviation protocol must be strictly imposed, where aircraft must not pass through an ash cloud lest they risk crashing. — TJD, GMA News