Mayon Volcano lava effusion seen at crater

Mayon Volcano in Albay continued to have lava effusion early Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

It was the 153rd consecutive day of Mayon Volcano's effusive eruption, PHIVOLCS added.

This resulted in incandescent lava flows, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or "uson", and rockfalls.

PHIVOLCS' camera was able to capture the continued lava effusion at the volcano's crater at 2:54 a.m. and 3:20 a.m. Sunday.

"Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, and entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited," PHIVOLCS said.

At Alert Level 3, the volcano is at intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.

In its bulletin issued Sunday, PHIVOLCS said the lava flows have reached 3.8 km in Basud Gully, 3.2 km in Bonga Gully, and 1.8 km in Mi-is Gully.

The volcano also had episodic minor strombolian activity on Saturday.

Mayon Volcano registered 39 volcanic earthquakes including 14 volcanic tremors lasting 4-36 minutes long, and 292 rockfalls on Saturday.

A crater glow could be seen with the naked eye.

A total of 1,615 tonnes of sulfur dioxide were emitted Saturday, generating moderate plumes that rose up to 1,200 meters above the crater. These plumes then drifted in the north-northeast direction.

PHIVOLCS said flying aircraft close to the volcano should not be allowed.

It added that Mayon Volcano poses possible hazards such as:

• rockfalls or landslides or avalanches;
• ballistic fragments;
• lava flows and lava fountaining;
• pyroclastic density currents;
• moderate-sized explosions; and
• lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

—KG, GMA News