PHIVOLCS: Mayon still restive as lava flows, more earthquakes logged

Mayon Volcano in Albay continued to show signs of unrest as state volcanologists reported Saturday five earthquakes, lava flows, and nearly 400 rockfall events at the site over the past 24 hours.

In its monitoring bulletin from 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Mayon registered five new volcanic earthquakes.

These were accompanied by 377 rockfall events and 47 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or "uson."

The volcano's activity was marked by a lava dome and lava flow effusion, with a crater glow described as "fair" or visible to the naked eye.

It emitted plumes reaching as high as 100 meters above the crater, drifting northwest and west-southwest. Sulfur dioxide discharge was at 2,304 tons on Friday.

Alert Level 3 remained in effect over Mayon, signifying intensified or magmatic unrest.
 
PHIVOLCS has posted recent images of Mayon's effusive eruption, which has generated incandescent lava flows, rockfall, and PDCs.

Mayon's activity has disrupted the lives of numerous Albay folk, forcing hundreds to seek shelter in evacuation shelters. Tabaco City has declared a state of calamity.

Under Alert Level 3, PHIVOLCS said entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) should not be allowed. Doing the same in the extended danger zone (EDZ) should only be done with vigilance.

Flying of aircraft close to the volcano is not advised.

The agency warned the public of possible hazards such as:

• rockfalls or landslides or avalanches;
• ballistic fragments;
• lava flows and lava fountaining;
• Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs);
• moderate-sized explosions; and
• lahar during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

— VDV, GMA Integrated News