Mayon Volcano Bulletin

25 August 2006

8:00 AM

Lava continued to ooze out of Mayon’s summit crater (13.2576^oN, 123.6856^oE), which resulted in 303 tremor episodes. Some 17 volcanic quakes occurred within the volcano, and signified magma movement. The lavas were deposited in a wide area within the southeast sector although the majority of lava fragments were traced falling into channels facing Miisi and Buyoan. Extrusions also continue to feed the lava flow overriding the Mabinit lava flow deposit. Due to the diversion of lava flows and fragments to either side of the Bonga gully, the Mabinit lava flow  deposit has slowed down considerably.

The Sulfur Dioxide emission rate was still high at 5,401 tonnes per day (t/d), which reflected vigorous magma degassing. Winds this morning blew the volcanic plume to the southeast.

At present, Mayon Volcano is in a mild state of eruption as magma slowly ascends and extrudes lava. The overall status stays at Alert Level 4, which corresponds to a high probability for a hazardous eruption. Accordingly, all existing danger zones should be regarded as very high risk areas and should remain off-limits until further notice. In particular, PHIVOLCS reminds all concerned that areas in front of the Mabinit lava flow are still under considerable threat to gas-and-ash explosions because pockets of remnant gases may be expelled suddenly.