PHIVOLCS observes ‘increased activity’ at Mayon Volcano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Tuesday monitored increased activity at the summit crater of Mayon Volcano in Albay.

In an advisory, PHIVOLCS said that it recorded a continuous series of 573 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes (LFVQs) from Mayon Volcano’s network as of July 18.

Some of the LFVQs produced audible rumbling sounds on Monday evening and early Tuesday and were found to have originated from a shallow source. These were also associated with rapid releases of volcanic gases.

However, there were no visible changes in the effusive activity at the summit crater of the restive volcano. Nor were there significant increases reported in its overall seismic energy released.

The volcano’s sulfur dioxide emissions peaked on July 15 at an average of 2,989 tonnes per day but currently measures at 1,945 tonnes/day, PHIVOLCS added.

Mayon Volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 on June 8 after three pyroclastic density current (PDC) events were observed on the Bonga (southeast) and Basud (east) gullies of the volcano

PHIVOLCS said the alert level remained the same but the “seismic and degassing parameters have been undergoing changes that may progress into further activity.”

It also recommended that areas inside the 6-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone remain evacuated and that communities within the 7- and 8-kilometer radius be prepared in case current pyroclastic density current activities worsened.

PHIVOLCS also advised civil aviation authorities to remind pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from eruptions could be hazardous to aircraft. — DVM, GMA Integrated News