Mayon logged 232 rockfall, 5 PDCs in the past 24 hours —PHIVOLCS

A total of 232 rockfall and five dome collapse pyroclastic density current events had been monitored over Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Wednesday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS also reported one volcanic earthquake and emission of 1,170 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.

“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.

On Tuesday, PHIVOLCS reported an ongoing repetitive pulse tremor since Monday afternoon as the agency noted an increased seismic activity in Mayon Volcano.

Very slow effusion of lava flows were observed along Basud gully extending up to 4 kilometers, along Mi-isi gully up to 2.8 kilometers, and along Bonga gully up to 1.3 meters.

Lava collapse on Mi-isi and Bonga gullies was also observed within 3 kilometers.

A moderate emission of plumes reaching up to 200 meters was seen from the volcano, drifting to the west-southwest and west-northwest directions.

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 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 and Basud gullies of the volcano.

A total of 37,944 people or 9,776 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, 18,717 individuals or 5,360  families are staying in 28 evacuation centers, while 1,427 individuals or 408 families are taking shelter in other places.

A total of 1,120 livestock animals were also preemptively evacuated.

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

Assistance worth P132,120,426 has been provided to the victims, according to the NDRRMC. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News