Major explosion from Mayon volcano a 'remote possibility' —PHIVOLCS

A major explosion of the Mayon Volcano is "unlikely" according to a resident volcanologist of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)-Bicol.

“Sa ngayon, medyo remote pa yung scenario na magkaroon ng major na eruption (Right now, the scenario of a major eruption is quite remote),” PHIVOLCS-Bicol’s Dr. Paul Alanis told Unang Balita on Tuesday.

“Pero of course, nandyan pa rin yung possibility na meron tayong mga maliliit na pagputok na mangyayari (But of course, there is still a possibility of small eruptions),” he added.

Mayon Volcano is under Alert Level 2, which means there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruptions.

Alanis said they are looking at two possible scenarios with the ongoing activity of the volcano in Albay.

First, the Mayon Volcano may have a “quiet” eruption with rockfall and minor lava flow like in 2014. Second, it is already preparing for a major eruption with small bursts and a major lava flow like in 2018.

The pressure in the volcano is stuck in the peak part, while there is a weak pressure on the lower slopes, Alanis said.

Based on PHIVOLCS’ latest volcano bulletin, 74 rockfall events were monitored in Mayon from 5 a.m. on Monday to 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

A total of 208 tonnes of sulfur dioxide were emitted from the volcano.

A moderate emission of plumes reaching up to 200 meters tall was also observed in the volcano, drifting in a west-southwest direction.

With the current direction of the wind, Alanis said ashfall may be experienced over Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, and Oas.

The volcano edifice is inflated, according to PHIVOLCS.

No crater glow was observed so far. 

PHIVOLCS warned of possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, rockfalls or landslides, as well as lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Entry into the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited, PHIVOLCS said. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News