PHIVOLCS logs 1 volcanic quake, 177 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano

One volcanic earthquake and 177 rockfall events were recorded in Mayon Volcano over the past 24 hours as it remained under Alert Level 3, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Sunday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said Mayon Volcano continued to have “intensified unrest” or magmatic unrest since its alert level status was raised from 2 to 3 on Thursday.

A fair crater glow from the volcano in Albay also remained to be visible to the naked eye, while its edifice was inflated.

It also emitted moderate amounts of plumes, drifting generally east.

On Saturday, it generated 1,205 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Sunday, Mayon Volcano Observatory resident volcanologist Dr. Paul Alanis said that based on the historical eruptions of Mayon, its current behavior may continue for a few more days. 

“Dahil lumabas na ang panibagong lava dome... mas madali itong dumaloy. Maaaring ito na 'yung panibagong phase ng eruption ng Mayon Volcano,” he said.

(Because a new lava dome has come out... it flows more easily. This may be the new phase of Mayon Volcano's eruption.)

PHIVOLCS on Saturday released new photos of Mayon volcano's summit, where a new lava dome can be seen emerging.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry into the six-kilometer radius of Mayon Volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone is not allowed.

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is likewise prohibited.

Hazards such as rockfalls, landslides, avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, pyroclastic density currents, moderate-sized explosions, and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall may also occur. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News