Mayon Volcano logs 102 volcanic earthquakes in past 24 hours —PHIVOLCS

A total of 102 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Mayon Volcano in Albay in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on Monday. 

This is higher compared to the 24 volcanic earthquakes reported on Sunday.

The sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano also increased to 925 tonnes on Sunday from 663 tonnes on Saturday.

A total of 263 rockfall events were observed, which is also higher compared to 257 rockfall events reported on Sunday.

“Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days is possible,” the PHIVOLCS said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

“It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards,” it added.

Eight dome-collapse pyroclastic density current events were recorded, according to PHIVOLCS.

Very slow effusion of lava flows were seen along Mi-isi gully extending up to 1.3 kilometers from the crater and along Bonga gully extending up to 1.2 kilometers.

Lava collapse was also observed on both gullies within 3.3 kilometers from the crater.

Moderate plumes reaching up to 100 meters were seen from the volcano, drifting in the general west direction.

“Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised, “ PHIVOLCS said.

PHIVOLCS also warned that heavy rainfall could generate channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels where PDC deposits were emplaced.

It added that pilots should avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, PHIVOLCS said ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano.

Alert Level 3 in Mayon Volcano was raised on June 8 after three PDC events were observed on the Bonga (southeast) and Basud (east) gullies of the volcano.

Residents affected

A total of 41,483 people or 10,642 families in 26 barangays in Bicol were affected by Mayon's activity, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday.

Of the total affected population, 18,706 persons or 5,354 families were staying in 28 evacuation centers, while 1,428 individuals or 408 families were taking in other places.

A total of 1,107 livestock animals were also preemptively evacuated.

State of calamity was declared in 18 cities and municipalities.

Assistance worth P101,165,486.25 has been provided to the victims, according to the NDRRMC. —KG, GMA Integrated News