Quiet lava effusion from the new summit lava dome and lava collapse events characterized Mayon Volcano's eruptive activity in the past 24 hours. Forty-eight (48) rockfall events, two (2) pyroclastic density currents or PDCs and one (1) volcanic earthquake were recorded by Mayon's seismic monitoring network. Rockfall events were generated by the collapsing lava front and margins of the advancing lava flow on the Miisi Gully and by shedding from the summit dome onto the Matanag and Buyuan Gullies. Currently, the Miisi lava flow has advanced to approximately three (3) kilometers from the summit crater whilst PDCs were emplaced roughly within the same reaches on this drainage, all well within the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Ash clouds were lofted from the rockfall and PDCs events as well as from the persistent disintegration of lava on the advancing front of the Miisi lava flow before drifting to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide gas emission was measured at an average of 1159 tonnes/day on January 17, 2018.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect 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. 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.
DOST-PHIVOLCS
