Mayon Volcano Bulletin

22 August 2006

8:00 AM

Mayon Volcano (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E) generated six (6) minor explosions during the past 24-hour observation period.  These occurred at 6:08PM, 7:41PM, 8:51PM, 8:53PM, 10:45PM yesterday and 2:38AM today but they were not observed because the summit crater area was cloud covered.  A total of 24 volcanic earthquakes and 431 tremor episodes were recorded.  The volcanic earthquakes are associated with magma movement and degassing within the volcano.  Tremor episodes produced by rockfalls and detaching lava fragments from the lava flow indicate active deposition of lava.  Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) flux was measured at 2,445 tonnes per day (t/d), which is lower than the previous measurement of 5,390 t/d. Visual observations showed moderate steaming.  The volcano was most of the time obscured, particularly last night but incandescent materials and crater glow were observed before dawn today.  

The parameters still indicate a high level of unrest for Mayon Volcano.  PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 4, which means that hazardous explosive eruptions are still possible. The public is reminded that the eight (8) kilometer radius - EXTENDED DANGER ZONE (EDZ) in the southeast sector of the volcano should be off-limits at all times.  At other areas around the volcano, the 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 escalates.