NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Mayon Shows Heightened Activity
File / Nehemiah Manzanilla Sitiar
In the past 24 hours, the Mayon volcano network has been on high alert as it recorded a series of volcanic tremors, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and rockfall events. The volcano's behavior is indicative of increased activity, causing authorities to maintain Alert Level 3.
Over the last day, forty volcanic tremors were detected with durations ranging from 2 to 72 minutes. Additionally, there were fifty-three pyroclastic density current events and two hundred twenty-six rockfall events. Lava flows have advanced approximately 3.4 kilometers to the southeast in Bonga, 2.8 kilometers to the south in Mi-isi, and 1.1 kilometers to the east in Basud Gullies.
Rockfalls and PDCs, generated by the collapse of the summit dome, have deposited debris within four kilometers of the crater. Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have averaged 919 tonnes per day on October 23, 2023.
Mayon remains at Alert Level 3, signifying a relatively high level of unrest. There is a potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days. The 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is recommended to remain evacuated due to the threat of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
Residents in the vicinity are advised to remain vigilant against PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the volcano. Heavy rainfall could trigger channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where PDC deposits are present.
Civil aviation authorities are urged to caution pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ash from a sudden eruption can pose a risk to aircraft. Based on current wind patterns, ash fall events are likely to occur on the south side of the volcano.
Over the last day, forty volcanic tremors were detected with durations ranging from 2 to 72 minutes. Additionally, there were fifty-three pyroclastic density current events and two hundred twenty-six rockfall events. Lava flows have advanced approximately 3.4 kilometers to the southeast in Bonga, 2.8 kilometers to the south in Mi-isi, and 1.1 kilometers to the east in Basud Gullies.
Rockfalls and PDCs, generated by the collapse of the summit dome, have deposited debris within four kilometers of the crater. Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have averaged 919 tonnes per day on October 23, 2023.
Mayon remains at Alert Level 3, signifying a relatively high level of unrest. There is a potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days. The 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is recommended to remain evacuated due to the threat of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
Residents in the vicinity are advised to remain vigilant against PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the volcano. Heavy rainfall could trigger channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where PDC deposits are present.
Civil aviation authorities are urged to caution pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ash from a sudden eruption can pose a risk to aircraft. Based on current wind patterns, ash fall events are likely to occur on the south side of the volcano.
Oct 25, 2023
