Mayon Volcano Bulletin

30 July 2006

9:00 AM

Lava is continuously flowing from the crater of Mayon Volcano (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E).  This was confirmed during field observations yesterday in the Mabinit channel.  The front of the lava mass has advanced by about 300 meters.  If flow rates persist, the lava flow is expected to reach the six (6) – kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) boundary in two to three days.  Due to thick clouds, no measurement was conducted regarding the position and length of the lava flow this morning.

The Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remains high at 6,568 tonnes per day (t/d) while steaming from the summit crater remains voluminous.  This reflects active degassing from the crater area.

About 419 tremor episodes and 15 volcanic earthquakes occurred yesterday.  These tremors were caused by flowing lava and the detaching lava blocks impacting the slopes of the volcano.  The earthquakes on the other hand were likely caused by ascending magma inside the volcano.

Mayon Voclano remains at a high level of unrest with fair probability for explosive eruptions.  Alert Level 3 remains in effect, which means that the six (6) kilometer radius PDZ around the volcano should be off-limits.  As lava flow encroaches the southeast PDZ boundary, which coincides with a wooded area, the threat from fire becomes high.  This risk may be amplified by surface winds blowing south.  The public is therefore advised to keep a fair distance while residents of Barangays Mabinit, Miisi, Bonga, Matanag and Buyoan should be prepared for evacuation.