PHIVOLCS: Mayon Volcano logged 5 volcanic earthquakes, 361 rockfall events in past 24 hours

A total of five volcanic earthquakes and 361 rockfall events had been recorded in Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on Friday.

These are higher compared to the three volcanic earthquakes and 286 rockfall events reported on Thursday.

In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said seven pyroclastic density current (PDC) events were recorded.

A moderate emission of plumes was also observed from the volcano reaching up to 200 meters and drifting to the east-southeast 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.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said very slow effusion of lava flows from the crater were still observed along Mi-isi gully extending up to 2.8 kilometers and along Bonga gully extending up to 1.4 kilometers.

Lava collapse was also seen along Basud gully extending up to 4 kilometers from the crater, it added.

The volcano emitted 1,582 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

Alert Level 3 in Mayon Volcano was raised on June 8 after three PDC events were observed on the Bonga and Basud gullies of the volcano. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News