Mayon Volcano Bulletin

Lava continued to flow Mayon Volcano (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E), which also vented a high volume of gases. The toe of the advancing lava in the Mabinit Channel has advanced some 200 meters in 24 hours, placing it at approximately 5.8 aerial km from the crater and at 280 meters elevation. The Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) flux or emission rate decreased to 7,418 tonnes per day although this value remains way above normal levels. Significantly, the general trend for SO₂ flux is still increasing. Visuals on the summit this morning revealed voluminous gas emission with easterly to northeasterly drifts. Some 354 tremor episodes were generated by lava fragments impacting the southeast slopes. Earthquakes activity inside Mayon generally remained at similar levels throughout this unrest which is low and indicative of Mayon’s “open” magma system. The nature of these quakes suggests magma ascent.

Mayon Volcano is assessed at Alert Level 3, which means that the six (6) kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) should be off-limits. As the lava flow in the Mabinit channel encroaches the PDZ boundary, PHIVOLCS at this time recommends everyone to keep a safe distance because sudden collapse of the front and sides of the flow may produce some pyroclastic avalanches which could engulf areas well beyond the lava flow’s edge. At this stage, the lava flow is still at some distance from Barangays Mabinit and Bonga. However, as the flow consumes surrounding vegetation a fire hazard may be generated, amplified by surface winds. Thus, PHIVOLCS reminds the public to be also aware of potential spread of fire in the upper reaches at Mabinit and Bonga, in addition to hazards associated with explosions from the summit, Barangays Mabinit, Miisi, Bonga, Matanag and Buyoan remain the most vulnerable at this stage of the volcano’s activity. Residents of these areas are therefore advised to be vigilant and to be prepared for evacuation if activity escalates.

PHIVOLCS-DOST

--/EGC