Mayon Volcano’s generated two (2) phreatic (steam-driven) eruptions yesterday 14 January. The first at 8:49 AM, lasted approximately 5 minutes based on the seismic record and produced a grayish steam and ash plume that was largely obscured by clouds. Sulfurous odors and rumbling sounds were reported by residents of Brgy. Anoling, Camalig. A second phreatic eruption occurred at 11:43 AM which lasted 15 minutes based on the seismic record. The event produced an ash plume that was largely obscured by clouds. Sulfurous odors were detected and traces of ash were reported in Camalig, Alabay. In addition, Mayon’s seismic monitoring network recorded two (2) volcanic earthquakes and one-hundred forty-one (141) rockfall events during the past 24 hours. Degassing at the active vents could not be observed due to thick clouds covering the summit. Bright crater glow was observed. Precise leveling data obtained on November 7 to 11, 2017 indicated slight inflation of the edifice relative to September 2017. This is also exhibited in increased rates in the inflationary trends recorded by continuous GPS and tilt since October and November 2017, respectively. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 856 tonnes/day on 03 December 2017.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and that magma is at the crater, and that a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering the six (6) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southern flanks, due to the danger of rockfalls, landslides and sudden explosions or dome collapse that may generate hazardous volcanic flows. Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised. 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 seasonal wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the southwest side of the volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Mayon Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.
