Mayon Volcano Bulletin

16 August 2006

7:30 AM

Mayon Volcano (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E) produced two (2) explosions at 11:53AM and 2:47 PM yesterday. There was no visual observation of these events because the summit crater was cloud covered at that time. From late in the afternoon until this morning, however, clear views of the crater showed hot lava fragments tumbling into the Miisi and Bonga gullies and adjacent channels in the upper and mid-slopes to the southeast.

Nineteen (19) volcanic earthquakes and 367 tremor episodes were detected in the past 24 hours. These earthquakes reflect active ascent of magma within the volcano while the high tremor count reflects continuing extrusion of hot lava.

The Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was 2,918 tonnes/day (t/d), which also corresponded with voluminous gas emission, which drifted northeast.

Recent measurements of ground deformation also indicated that the volcano is slightly inflated, probably as a result of continuing magma intrusions into the cone.

Alert Level 4 is still in effect, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption may   occur anytime. Thus, the eight (8) kilometer radius - EXTENDED DANGER ZONE (EDZ) in the southeast sector of the volcano should continue to be off-limits. At other areas around the volcano, this EDZ is seven (7) kilometers from the summit crater. Residents of areas outside and adjacent to the EDZ are advised to be on the alert for updates regarding their status for possible evacuation in case volcanic activity intensifies.