NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Alert Level 2 Raised For Mayon Volcano
Photo credit: Albay Provincial Information Office
In a recent bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), it has been announced that the alert level for Mayon Volcano has been raised from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest). This decision comes in response to the observed escalation of volcanic activity in the region.
Over the past few months, the PHIVOLCS team has been closely monitoring Mayon Volcano, located in the Albay province. Visual and camera surveillance of the summit crater revealed an alarming increase in rockfall activity from the volcano's summit lava dome, indicating aseismic growth.
The frequency of rockfall events skyrocketed from an average of 5 events per day to a staggering 49 events per day between 5:00 AM on 4 June 2023 and 5:00 AM on 5 June 2023.
Additionally, measurements have shown a significant increase in the volume of the lava dome. Since February 2023, the dome has expanded by approximately 83,000 cubic meters, and since August 2022, it has grown by a total of nearly 164,000 cubic meters.
The Mayon Volcano Network has recorded a total of 318 rockfall events and 26 volcanic earthquakes between 1 April 2023 and the present. Furthermore, ground deformation monitoring instruments indicate inflation of the volcano's upper slopes since February 2023, with longer-term data suggesting ongoing inflation, particularly in the northwest and southeast, since 2020.
Another critical parameter of concern is the measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. On 29 April 2023, the highest recorded SO2 emission reached an average of 576 tons per day, while the most recent measurement on 23 May 2023 averaged 162 tons per day. Although volcanic gas parameters and low-level seismic activity have been monitored, the recent surge in rockfall events raises the possibility of further dome activity.
Based on these observations, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has made the decision to raise the alert level for Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 2. This signifies increasing unrest caused by shallow magmatic processes, which could potentially lead to phreatic eruptions or hazardous magmatic eruptions. Consequently, the public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and refrain from entering the six-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) surrounding the volcano to minimize the risks associated with sudden explosions, rockfalls, and landslides.
In the event of ashfall affecting communities downwind of Mayon's crater, individuals are advised to cover their noses and mouths with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask. Furthermore, civil aviation authorities are urged to caution pilots against flying near the volcano's summit, as ash expelled during a sudden eruption can pose significant hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains continuous monitoring of Mayon Volcano, and any further developments will be promptly communicated to all concerned stakeholders. The safety and well-being of the public remain the top priority, and everyone is urged to heed the official advisories and exercise caution during this period of increasing volcanic unrest.
Over the past few months, the PHIVOLCS team has been closely monitoring Mayon Volcano, located in the Albay province. Visual and camera surveillance of the summit crater revealed an alarming increase in rockfall activity from the volcano's summit lava dome, indicating aseismic growth.
The frequency of rockfall events skyrocketed from an average of 5 events per day to a staggering 49 events per day between 5:00 AM on 4 June 2023 and 5:00 AM on 5 June 2023.
Additionally, measurements have shown a significant increase in the volume of the lava dome. Since February 2023, the dome has expanded by approximately 83,000 cubic meters, and since August 2022, it has grown by a total of nearly 164,000 cubic meters.
The Mayon Volcano Network has recorded a total of 318 rockfall events and 26 volcanic earthquakes between 1 April 2023 and the present. Furthermore, ground deformation monitoring instruments indicate inflation of the volcano's upper slopes since February 2023, with longer-term data suggesting ongoing inflation, particularly in the northwest and southeast, since 2020.
Another critical parameter of concern is the measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. On 29 April 2023, the highest recorded SO2 emission reached an average of 576 tons per day, while the most recent measurement on 23 May 2023 averaged 162 tons per day. Although volcanic gas parameters and low-level seismic activity have been monitored, the recent surge in rockfall events raises the possibility of further dome activity.
Based on these observations, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has made the decision to raise the alert level for Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 2. This signifies increasing unrest caused by shallow magmatic processes, which could potentially lead to phreatic eruptions or hazardous magmatic eruptions. Consequently, the public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and refrain from entering the six-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) surrounding the volcano to minimize the risks associated with sudden explosions, rockfalls, and landslides.
In the event of ashfall affecting communities downwind of Mayon's crater, individuals are advised to cover their noses and mouths with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask. Furthermore, civil aviation authorities are urged to caution pilots against flying near the volcano's summit, as ash expelled during a sudden eruption can pose significant hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains continuous monitoring of Mayon Volcano, and any further developments will be promptly communicated to all concerned stakeholders. The safety and well-being of the public remain the top priority, and everyone is urged to heed the official advisories and exercise caution during this period of increasing volcanic unrest.
Jun 5, 2023
