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Advocates Philippines
Mayon Volcano Maintains Alert Level 3: Volcanic Activity And Hazards Persist
Photo credit: Phivolcs
In the past 24 hours, the Mayon Volcano Network has reported significant volcanic activity, indicating an ongoing state of unrest. Seismic and visual observations have recorded two volcanic earthquakes and a staggering 306 rockfall events within the monitored period. These events highlight the dynamic nature of the volcano and the potential risks it poses.
The effusion of lava from the summit crater has been relatively slow but has resulted in the emplacement of lava flow and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies, located approximately one kilometer from the crater. Additionally, three dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were detected, each lasting between three to six minutes. These PDCs pose a significant hazard due to their destructive force and the potential for rapid movement down the volcano's slopes.
Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater has generated steam-laden plumes that rise up to 700 meters before drifting northwest. Observers have also noted a fair crater glow, known as "banaag," and incandescent rockfall shed from fluidal lava at the summit. These visual indications highlight the presence of molten material within the volcano and its potential for further volcanic activity.
Furthermore, the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the volcano averaged 193 tonnes per day on June 14, 2023. This significant release of SO2 gas underscores the ongoing magmatic processes occurring beneath the surface.
Geodetic monitoring tools, such as electronic tiltmeters and precise leveling instruments, have indicated inflation of the upper slopes of Mayon Volcano since February 2023. This long-term ground deformation, in combination with short-term observations from electronic distance meters (EDM) and continuous GPS monitoring, suggests ongoing pressurization and magma accumulation within the volcano.
In light of these observations, authorities have maintained Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano. This alert level signifies a relatively high level of unrest, with magma present at the crater and the potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days. As a result, it is strongly recommended that the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano be evacuated to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
The hazards associated with Mayon Volcano include pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic phenomena. Vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars (mudflows), and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the volcano's slopes is essential. In particular, heavy rainfall has the potential to generate lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where previous pyroclastic density currents have deposited volcanic material.
Civil aviation authorities have been advised to caution pilots against flying close to the summit of the volcano, as ash emissions from a sudden eruption can pose a serious threat to aircraft. Prevailing wind patterns suggest that ash fall events are most likely to occur on the south side of the volcano, highlighting the need for caution and proper communication with aviation stakeholders.
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will continue to closely monitor Mayon Volcano and promptly communicate any new developments to all concerned stakeholders. The safety and well-being of the local communities and the aviation sector remain of utmost importance in managing the risks associated with this restless volcano.
The effusion of lava from the summit crater has been relatively slow but has resulted in the emplacement of lava flow and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies, located approximately one kilometer from the crater. Additionally, three dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were detected, each lasting between three to six minutes. These PDCs pose a significant hazard due to their destructive force and the potential for rapid movement down the volcano's slopes.
Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater has generated steam-laden plumes that rise up to 700 meters before drifting northwest. Observers have also noted a fair crater glow, known as "banaag," and incandescent rockfall shed from fluidal lava at the summit. These visual indications highlight the presence of molten material within the volcano and its potential for further volcanic activity.
Furthermore, the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the volcano averaged 193 tonnes per day on June 14, 2023. This significant release of SO2 gas underscores the ongoing magmatic processes occurring beneath the surface.
Geodetic monitoring tools, such as electronic tiltmeters and precise leveling instruments, have indicated inflation of the upper slopes of Mayon Volcano since February 2023. This long-term ground deformation, in combination with short-term observations from electronic distance meters (EDM) and continuous GPS monitoring, suggests ongoing pressurization and magma accumulation within the volcano.
In light of these observations, authorities have maintained Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano. This alert level signifies a relatively high level of unrest, with magma present at the crater and the potential for a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days. As a result, it is strongly recommended that the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano be evacuated to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
The hazards associated with Mayon Volcano include pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic phenomena. Vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars (mudflows), and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the volcano's slopes is essential. In particular, heavy rainfall has the potential to generate lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where previous pyroclastic density currents have deposited volcanic material.
Civil aviation authorities have been advised to caution pilots against flying close to the summit of the volcano, as ash emissions from a sudden eruption can pose a serious threat to aircraft. Prevailing wind patterns suggest that ash fall events are most likely to occur on the south side of the volcano, highlighting the need for caution and proper communication with aviation stakeholders.
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will continue to closely monitor Mayon Volcano and promptly communicate any new developments to all concerned stakeholders. The safety and well-being of the local communities and the aviation sector remain of utmost importance in managing the risks associated with this restless volcano.
Jun 15, 2023
