Mayon Volcano Bulletin

03 October 2006

4:00 PM

This is a notice for the lowering of alert status for Mayon Volcano.

After Mayon Volcano’s alert status was lowered to Level 3 on 11 September 2006, a continuous decline in its overall activity was manifested. All monitored key parameters such as earthquake levels, ground deformation and gas outputs further declined. In addition, lava extrusion apparently ceased on 01 October 2006 as  reported by Ligñon Hill Observatory. The above observations indicate the absence of an intruding new mass of magma.

In summary, the persistent decline in all the monitored parameters (seismic, ground deformation, SO₂ emission rate, visuals) and the apparent cessation of lava extrusion are indications that the volcano is relatively stable and slowly heading towards normal conditions.

In view of the constant downtrend in the overall activity of Mayon Volcano, PHIVOLCS is now lowering the volcano alert status from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2. This means, the probability of a magmatic and hazardous eruption is now remote. PHIVOLCS, however, reminds the public not to enter the six (6) kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ), which is the area in the southeast sector up to 7 kilometers from the summit crater due to the continuing threat from sudden explosions, rockfalls from the upper slopes and secondary pyroclastic flows arising from the collapsed of newly deposited lavas at the upper and middle slopes.