Eruptive activity at Mayon Volcano yesterday was dominated by the generation of dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents or PDCs on the Basud Gully on the eastern slopes. The largest of these events occurred at 1:01 PM and lasted eight (8) minutes based on the seismic record. Four (4) visible PDCs between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM that lasted approximately four (4) minutes each traveled 3 to 4 kilometers downslope of the Basud Gully and generated one (1) kilometer-tall ash clouds that drifted to the north and northwest. Ashfall was recorded to have fallen on Tabaco City. For the past 24-hour observation period, very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed lava flows on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies as well as rockfall and PDCs on these and the Basud (eastern) Gullies. Lava flows advanced to approximate lengths of two thousand two hundred thirty (2230) meters and one thousand three hundred (1300) meters along Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively, from the summit crater while collapse debris deposited to three thousand three hundred (3300) meters from the crater. A total of seventeen (17) dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDC), two hundred fifty-four (254) rockfall events, and sixty-five (65) weak volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Mayon Volcano Network. Continuous voluminous degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 2000 meters before drifting to the east-northeast and general west direction. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 1,002 tonnes/day yesterday and was first detected in significant concentrations by satellite monitors on 29 June 2023. Short-term ground deformation parameters from EDM and electronic tiltmeter monitoring indicate inflation of the upper slopes since February 2023, while longer-term data including those from Precise Leveling and continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring indicate that Mayon is still inflated particularly its northwest and southeast slopes.
Alert Level 3 is maintained 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 within weeks or even days is possible. 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
