Mayon Volcano logs 107 volcanic earthquakes —PHIVOLCS

More volcanic earthquakes and pyroclastic density current events were observed in Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Tuesday.

Based on PHIVOLCS’ 8 a.m. bulletin, Mayon had 107 volcanic earthquakes, which is higher compared to the 102 recorded on Monday.

The number of dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents increased from eight on Monday to 17 on Tuesday, which lasted up to three minutes.

Also, the moderate emission of plumes from the volcano grew from 100 meters on Monday to 750 meters on Tuesday, drifting in a general west direction.

“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,” PHIVOLCS said.

“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.

A total of 41 rockfall events were also recorded on the volcano.

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.

A total of 753 tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission were observed from the volcano on Monday.

“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.

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) said Tuesday.

Of the affected population, 18,706 persons or 5,354  families were staying in 28 evacuation centers, while 1,428 individuals or 408 families were taking shelter 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 P105,169,184 has been provided to the victims, the NDRRMC said. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News