PHIVOLCS: Mayon Volcano logged 372 rockfall events in the past 24 hours

A total of 372 rockfall events were recorded in Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Wednesday.

Based on its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano increased to 964 tonnes on Tuesday from 753 tonnes on Monday.

The lava flow from the crater along Mi-isi gully also grew to 1.6 kilometers on Wednesday from 1.3 kilometers on Tuesday.

The number of rockfall events is higher compared to the 241 rockfall events reported on Tuesday.

“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.

Only one volcanic earthquake was detected over the volcano, according to PHIVOLCS.

Seven dome-collapse pyroclastic density current events were also observed in the volcano.

A very slow effusion of lava flow from the crater was seen along Bonga gully extending up to 1.2 kilometers.

Lava collapse was also observed on Mi-is and Bonga gullies within 3.3 kilometers from the crater.

A moderate emission of plumes reaching up to 800 meters was observed from the volcano, drifting to the  west-northwest.

“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.

NDRRMC

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

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

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

A state of calamity was declared in 18 cities and municipalities.

Assistance worth P105,377,234 has been provided to the victims, according to the NDRRMC. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News