Mayon Volcano Bulletin

03 September 2006

8:00 AM

Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576^oN, 123.6856^oE) activity apparently declines for the past 24 hours.  Nine (9) volcanic earthquakes were detected compared with yesterday’s 31.  The Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) emission rate also decreased to 2,021 tonnes per day (t/d) yesterday from the other day’s  6,585 t/d.  However, the tremor episodes remained high, indicating continuous flow of glowing lavas and detaching lava blocks from the main lava flow.  These activities were observed rolling and cascading towards the southeast sector of the volcano.  Clear views of the crater yesterday afternoon and early this morning disclosed moderate to voluminous volume of dirty white steam  column that drifted east-northeast and west-northwest.

The sudden changes in the volcano’s activity like the decrease in the number of recorded volcanic earthquakes and SO₂ flux may happen from time to time and does not indicate that Mayon ‘s activity is on the decline.  Hence, the probability of explosions are still high.  In summary, Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over the volcano.  This means that the 8-kilometer radius Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) over the southeast should be strictly off-limits. For other areas around the volcano, the presently enforced EDZ is 7 kilometers from the summit.