In the past 24-hour period, the Mayon Volcano Network recorded six (6) dome-collapse Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC) that lasted three (3) to six (6) minutes and one hundred ninety-nine (199) rockfall events based on seismic and visual observations.  The PDC and rockfall events emplaced lava debris on the southern gullies within two kilometers from the summit crater. Thin light brown ash from the rockfalls and continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that were bent and drifted to the general south. Fair crater glow or “banaag” and incandescent rockfall shed from new fluidal lava at the summit of Mayon Volcano were also observed last night. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was last measured at an average of 332 tonnes/day on 07 June 2023. Short-term observations from EDM and electronic tiltmeter monitoring show the upper slopes to be inflating since February 2023. Longer-term ground deformation parameters based on EDM, precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring indicate that Mayon is still inflated, especially on the northwest and southeast.

Alert Level 3 is now raised over Mayon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days. It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards. Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised. Heavy rainfall could generate channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels where PDC deposits were emplaced. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Mayon Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.

DOST-PHIVOLCS