PHIVOLCS: Mayon Volcano logged 109 earthquakes, 19 PDCs in past 24 hrs

A total of 109 volcanic earthquakes and 19 dome collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) events had been recorded in Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours,  the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.

These are higher compared to the 26 volcanic earthquakes and three dome collapse PDC events reported on Sunday.

In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the very slow effusion of lava flow from the volcano along Bonga gully extended from 1.3 kilometers to 1.4 kilometers.

A total of 325 rockfalls as well as four lava front collapse and one lava collapse events were also recorded in the volcano, according to PHIVOLCS.

“Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano, which means that 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 said.

“It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards,” it added.

The repetitive pulse tremor recorded in the volcano since July 8 ceased on Monday, July 10, at around 3 a.m., PHIVOLCS said.

A very slow effusion of lava flow from the crater was observed along Mi-isi gully extending up to 2.8 kilometers. A 4-kilometer lava collapse was also seen along Basud gully.

A moderate emission of plums reaching up to 800 meters were observed from the volcano.

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 (southeast) and Basud (east) gullies of the volcano. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News