PHIVOLCS: More rockfall, PDCs, sulfur dioxide emission recorded in Mayon

More rockfall events, pyroclastic density current (PDC) events, and sulfur dioxide emission had been observed over the Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Thursday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said 243 rockfall events as well as seven dome collapse PDC events and two lava front collapse PDC events were reported.

These are higher compared to the 232 rockfall events and five dome collapse PDC events reported on Wednesday.

A moderate emission of plumes from the volcano grew from 200 meters to 500 meters.

The emission of sulfur dioxide from the volcano also increased from 1,170 tonnes on Tuesday to 1,621 tonnes on Wednesday, according to PHIVOLCS.

Alert Level 3 is still raised over Mayon Volcano, which means “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 advised that the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

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 kilometers.

Lava collapse on Mi-isi and Bonga gullies was also observed within 3.3 kilometers.

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 37,953 people or 9,779 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, 18,721 individuals or 5,362 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 P135,682,934 has been provided to the victims, according to the NDRRMC. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News