Mayon’s activity in the past 24 hours was characterized by general quiescence, degassing from the summit crater and gravity-driven lava flow. Weak to moderate emissions of light brown to white steam-laden plumes that rose 1000 meters before drifting southwest and south-southwest occurred throughout the day. One (1) episode of lava-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) on the Miisi and Basud Gullies within 4-5 kilometers of the summit crater was visually observed at 1:47PM yesterday. A total of fifty-one (51) rockfall events were recorded by Mayon’s seismic monitoring network. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 904 tonnes/day on 16 March 2018. A slight inflation of the lower flanks beginning 11 March 2018 was recorded by electronic tilt, consistent with results of Precise Leveling (PL) surveys on 03 – 06 March 2018. Overall ground deformation data indicate that the edifice is still swollen or inflated relative to pre-eruption baselines.

Alert Level 3 currently prevails over Mayon Volcano. This means that although Mayon’s unrest continues, there is a decreased likelihood of hazardous explosive eruption to occur. PHIVOLCS-DOST reminds the public of sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents or PDCs and ashfall can still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon. PHIVOLCS-DOST recommends that entry into the six kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ and a precautionary seven kilometer-radius Extended Danger Zone or EDZ in the south-southwest to east-northeast sector, stretching from Anoling, Camalig to Sta. Misericordia, Sto. Domingo, must be strictly prohibited. People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions associated with rockfalls, PDCs and ashfall. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone areas in the southern and eastern sectors should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and PDCs may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS-DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.

PHIVOLCS – DOST