Mayon's lava dome expands

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the lava dome of the Mayon Volcano has now expanded, indicating a possible eruption in the next few weeks, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported on Tuesday night.

 

Mayon's lava dome is now approximately 120 meters in diameter and 125 meters in length, based on the aerial photos PHIVOLCS obtained. 

 

The dome is the part of an active volcano where lava comes out. A lava dome expands because magma continues to go up to the mouth of the volcano. When the volcano erupts, it will spew lava, big rocks, sand, gas, and ash. Its pyroclastic flow may also reach the seven-kilometer danger zone. 

 

PHIVOLCS also recorded that sulfur dioxide content of Mayon has increased, an indication that that its magma went up and lava may be released anytime soon.

But, the agency will not yet raise Alert Level 4 at Mayon since the seismograph only recorded a few volcanic earthquakes. According to the local government of Albay, it needs to evacuate 80,000 families in case Alert Level 4 is raised. 

 

Cedric Daep of Albay Public Safety & Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) reminded the residents from the restricted zone not to go back to their homes. "Ang counter-measure kasi sa volcano is distance. Wala kayong ibang gagawin kundi make a distance," Daep said.

 

Evacuation updates 

 

In some schools which now serves as evacuation centers such as the Camalig Elementary School, tents have been put up to make sure the education of the students are not interrupted. 

 

Each tent would house 40 students and just like a normal classroom, it will have armchairs and a blackboard. GMA News' Isay Reyes reported that the school was still waiting for all the tents to be delivered and put up before it can resume classes. 

 

Since there are still more families are yet to be evacuated, a church in Albay has also called on volunteers to open their homes to the evacuees. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News