This announcement advises all concerned that PHIVOLCS - DOST is now raising the alert status of Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) from ALERT LEVEL 2 to ALERT LEVEL 3.This means that magma is close to the crater and hazardous explosive eruption is possible. After the 7:04 AM minor ash explosion, five (5) more minor ash explosions occurred at the summit crater of Mayon Volcano. These explosions produced brownish to grayish ash clouds which were blown by strong winds towards the west-southwest and west-northwest. These events lasted for about three (3) minutes and were reflected at the seismograph as Explosion type quakes. Twenty-three (23) volcanic quakes were also recorded from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM today. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measured by FLYSPEC was at 757 t/d this morning. At 6:00 PM, incandescent materials originating from the summit crater was seen rolling downslope to about 3 km. towards the direction of Bonga, Buyuan and Mabinit channels.
PHIVOLCS - DOST recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity because of sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows. In addition, areas in the southeast that are outside the 7 kilometer danger zone but within 8 kilometers of the crater should be extra alert for increased volcanic activity. PHIVOLCS – DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
