PHIVOLCS: Mayon Volcano emitted more sulfur dioxide in the past 24 hours

Mayon Volcano had emitted 962 tonnes of sulfur dioxide in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.

This is higher compared to the 864 tonnes reported on Sunday.

In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said a total of 295 rockfall events, three volcanic earthquakes, two dome-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) events, and two lava front collapse PDCs were recorded in the volcano.

“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,” it 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.

A very slow effusion of lava flows from the crater were observed along Mi-isi gully extending up to 2.7 kilometers and along Bonga gully extending up to 1.3 meters, PHIVOLCS said.

Lava collapse was also seen on both gullies within 3.3 kilometers, it added.

Over the weekend, a new lava collapse was observed along Basud gully which extended up to 4 kilometers as PHIVOLCS noted an increased activity in the volcano.

A moderate emission of plumes reaching up to 500 meters was seen from the volcano, drifting in the west and west-northwest directions.

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.

NDRRMC update

A total of 41,517 people or 10,652 families in 26 barangays in Bicol have been affected by Mayon's activity, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.

Of the affected population, 18,751 individuals or 5,365 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 P130,571,728 has been provided to the victims, the NDRRMC said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News