Mayon Volcano logs increased seismic activity —PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded increased seismic energy and volcanic gas release from Mayon Volcano on Friday.

In an advisory, PHIVOLCS said that three out of the volcano’s 16 stations recorded a spike in real-time seismic energy release (RSAM) between Thursday and Friday despite a lack of volcanic earthquake activity.

“This increase was induced by an increase in the rate of rockfall and pyroclastic density current or PDC (uson) activity which is an indication of a rise in the rates of lava effusion at the summit crater of Mayon,” the advisory read.

The highest emission in 15 years, which was an average of 4,970 tonnes a day of sulfur dioxide, was recorded on Friday.

PHIVOLCS shared that while RSAM has been decreasing as of 7 p.m., new intrusions into the Mayon edifice may cause further eruptive activity.

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3 or high level of volcanic unrest due to continuing effusive eruption at the summit and increased chances of lava fountaining or moderately explosive eruption.

“This means that while ongoing lava effusion continues to generate new lava flows and collapse-fed rockfall and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or uson onto the southern and eastern upper slopes, potential lava fountaining or moderate explosions could generate similar lava flows, PDCs and rockfall on all sectors of the volcano,” PHIVOLCS warned.

The public is advised to refrain from entering the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to volcanic hazards, while those within the 8-kilometer radius are advised to prepare for evacuation in case of sudden escalation to Alert Level 4.

Earlier, PHIVOLCS also warned of possible lahar flows from Mayon due to the heavy to intense rainfall caused by Tropical Storm Ada.

PHIVOLCS said rainfall from Ada could trigger volcanic sediment flows or lahars, muddy streamflow, and muddy runoff along rivers and drainage systems around the volcano. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News