REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PHIVOLCS: Mayon Remains To Be In State Of Heightened Unrest
Photo credit: Phivolcs
Mayon Volcano in the Philippines remains in a state of heightened unrest, as indicated by the latest bulletin issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on July 2, 2023, at 8:00 AM. The bulletin provides crucial information about the ongoing volcanic activity and the associated hazards.
Over the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano has exhibited a slow effusion of lava from its summit crater, resulting in the formation of lava flows and the collapse of debris in various gullies surrounding the volcano. The Mi-isi (south), Bonga (southeastern), and Basud (eastern) gullies have experienced lava flows, rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs).
The lava flows have extended approximately 2,700 meters along the Mi-isi gully and 1,300 meters along the Bonga gully, while the collapse debris has reached a distance of 4,000 meters from the crater.
The Mayon Volcano Network recorded two dome-collapse PDCs lasting two minutes, 397 rockfall events, and four volcanic earthquakes within the reporting period. Additionally, continuous degassing from the summit crater has resulted in steam-laden plumes rising up to 1,500 meters before dispersing in the southwest, south-southwest, and northwest directions. The emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the volcano averaged 864 tonnes per day on July 1, 2023.
Monitoring data from electronic tiltmeters and electronic distance measurement (EDM) instruments indicate inflation of the upper slopes since February 2023. Further long-term ground deformation measurements utilizing EDM, precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring suggest that Mayon Volcano is still experiencing inflation, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions.
In light of the ongoing unrest, PHIVOLCS has decided to maintain Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano. This alert level signifies a relatively high level of volcanic activity, with the presence of magma at the crater and the possibility of a hazardous eruption occurring within weeks or even days. As a precautionary measure, a 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) has been established, and residents within this zone are advised to evacuate immediately. The PDZ encompasses areas that are at risk of pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
PHIVOLCS also highlights the importance of increased vigilance regarding the potential occurrence of pyroclastic density currents, lahars (mudflows), and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the volcano. Heavy rainfall can trigger lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels that have been affected by previous pyroclastic density currents. Furthermore, civil aviation authorities have been alerted to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the summit of Mayon Volcano, as ash from a sudden eruption could pose hazards to aircraft. The prevailing wind pattern suggests that ash fall events are more likely to affect the southern side of the volcano.
The Department of Science and Technology - PHIVOLCS assures the public and concerned stakeholders that they are closely monitoring the situation at Mayon Volcano. Any new developments will be promptly communicated to ensure the safety of the affected communities and the aviation sector.
Over the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano has exhibited a slow effusion of lava from its summit crater, resulting in the formation of lava flows and the collapse of debris in various gullies surrounding the volcano. The Mi-isi (south), Bonga (southeastern), and Basud (eastern) gullies have experienced lava flows, rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs).
The lava flows have extended approximately 2,700 meters along the Mi-isi gully and 1,300 meters along the Bonga gully, while the collapse debris has reached a distance of 4,000 meters from the crater.
The Mayon Volcano Network recorded two dome-collapse PDCs lasting two minutes, 397 rockfall events, and four volcanic earthquakes within the reporting period. Additionally, continuous degassing from the summit crater has resulted in steam-laden plumes rising up to 1,500 meters before dispersing in the southwest, south-southwest, and northwest directions. The emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the volcano averaged 864 tonnes per day on July 1, 2023.
Monitoring data from electronic tiltmeters and electronic distance measurement (EDM) instruments indicate inflation of the upper slopes since February 2023. Further long-term ground deformation measurements utilizing EDM, precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring suggest that Mayon Volcano is still experiencing inflation, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions.
In light of the ongoing unrest, PHIVOLCS has decided to maintain Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano. This alert level signifies a relatively high level of volcanic activity, with the presence of magma at the crater and the possibility of a hazardous eruption occurring within weeks or even days. As a precautionary measure, a 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) has been established, and residents within this zone are advised to evacuate immediately. The PDZ encompasses areas that are at risk of pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
PHIVOLCS also highlights the importance of increased vigilance regarding the potential occurrence of pyroclastic density currents, lahars (mudflows), and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining the volcano. Heavy rainfall can trigger lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels that have been affected by previous pyroclastic density currents. Furthermore, civil aviation authorities have been alerted to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the summit of Mayon Volcano, as ash from a sudden eruption could pose hazards to aircraft. The prevailing wind pattern suggests that ash fall events are more likely to affect the southern side of the volcano.
The Department of Science and Technology - PHIVOLCS assures the public and concerned stakeholders that they are closely monitoring the situation at Mayon Volcano. Any new developments will be promptly communicated to ensure the safety of the affected communities and the aviation sector.
Jul 2, 2023
