Mayon Volcano Bulletin

09 September 2006

8:00 AM

A total of two (2) volcanic earthquakes and 300 tremor episodes were detected in the past 24 hours. Measurements of Sulfur Dioxide emission rate decreased slightly to about 1,701 tonnes per day (t/d) yesterday from the previous 1,841 t/d. Steaming activity varied from moderate to voluminous with plume drifting north to northeast.

In summary, the continuing decline in key parameters such as seismic activity, Sulfur Dioxide emission rate and ground deformation may signify a slowdown in the volcano’s activity. Such a downtrend may soon allow for a lowering in the alert status of the volcano.

Meantime, PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 4, which means that the 8-kilometer radius Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) be observed by the public for the southeast portion of the volcano. At other areas, the EDZ is defined to be 7 kilometers from the summit. Residents and the public should remain vigilant because even a small explosion, if caused by a brief outburst from the summit crater could generate life-threatening pyroclastic flows. In the southeast, caution is also advised against approaching the still-hot lava deposits whose slopes remain unstable at this stage.