PHIVOLCS says Mayon Volcano slow lava effusion has been weakening

The slow lava effusion from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano in Albay has been weakening in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Saturday.

The said lava effusion has fed the lava flows on the Mi-isi gully (south) which ran to 2.8 kilometers, Bonga gully (southeastern) which reached 600 meters from the crater, and Basud gully (eastern) which was up to 3.1 kilometers.

PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin that it has not recorded pyroclastic density currents (PDC). There were also fewer rockfall events detected. However, the detection of these was affected by the powering down of the Anoling, Camalig Observation Station (VMAN) inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ).

The Mayon Volcano Network has recorded 48 volcanic earthquakes including 39 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes or LFVQs, as well as 45 rockfall events in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, an average of 4,113 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide was emitted by the volcano on Friday.

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest) remains in effect.

"[Mayon Volcano] is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible," it said.

PHIVOLCS reiterated its recommendation to keep the six-kilometer PDZ off-limits due to the threat of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

It also said lahars may be generated by heavy rainfall.

PHIVOLCS said flying close to the volcano is dangerous due to possible ash from sudden eruption.

"Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano," it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News