Mayon Volcano Bulletin

Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E) activity for the past 24 hours was characterized by continued lava flow, a very high Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) emission rate and apparent swelling of the volcano’s edifice. A brief cloudbreak yesterday also revealed a bright orange summit glow caused by lava extruding from the crater. On the lower southeast of the volcano, the lava flow in the Mabinit channel has advanced some 100 meters downslope as of 6:30 AM today which corresponds to about 5.6 aerial kilometers from the crater and at an elevation of approximately 300 meters above sea level. Some 388 tremor episodes were generated by lava fragments impacting the southeast slopes.

The emission rate of Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) amounted to 12,548 tonnes per day (t/d) which is a record high for this period of unrest and indicates continuing profuse degassing from the crater. In addition some ground deformation is apparent which is likely caused by the continuing intrusion of magma inside the volcano. The latter is also indicated by some volcanic quakes occurring at depth.

Overall, Mayon Volcano remains at a high level of unrest with fair probability for explosive eruptions. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, which means that the 6-kilometer radius PDZ around the volcano should be off-limits. PHIVOLCS reminds the public of hazards associated with either explosions from the summit or from the advancing lava flow in the southeast especially Barangays Mabinit, Miisi, Bonga, Matanag and Buyoan which are the most susceptible at this stage of the volcano’s activity. Residents are advised to be vigilant and to be prepared for evacuation if activity escalates.

PHIVOLCS-DOST

--/CSS/EGC