Mayon Volcano Update

17 August 2006

6:00 PM

During the past 11 hours, no explosion occurred at Mayon Volcano (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E).   Five (5) volcanic earthquakes and 130 tremor episodes were recorded.  A moderate volume of grayish white steam drifted towards the northeast.   The Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) emission rate today amounted to 2,937 tonnes per day (t/d).

The volcanic earthquakes are associated with magma ascending towards the crater while the tremor episodes generally indicate the falling of extruded lavas on the southeast slopes of the volcano.

The apparent lack of explosions of Mayon for this update does not represent waning.  Overall, the volcano is still at a high level of unrest.  Thus Alert Level 4 remains in effect, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption may occur anytime.  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.