Mayon Volcano Update

18 August 2006

6:00 PM

Mayon Volcano (13.2576^oN, 123.6856^oE) produced an explosion at 5:12 AM, making it the 7^th since midnight. As of 4:00 PM today, the seismic network detected four (4) volcanic earthquakes and about 132 tremor episodes. The volcanic earthquakes presently indicate magma ascent whereas tremor activity are generally correlated with lava extrusion in the vicinity of Bonga gully and adjacent areas of the southeast slopes. Today’s Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) emission rate of the volcanic plume was 2,712 tonnes per day (t/d), which is similar to yesterday’s reading of  2,937 t/d.

In summary, Alert Level 4 is still in effect, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption may occur anytime. PHIVOLCS reminds the public that 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 just outside and adjacent to the EDZ are also advised to be on the alert for updates regarding their status for possible evacuation in case volcanic activity intensifies.