NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PHIVOLCS Sees Increased Activity In Mayon Volcano
Photo courtesy of James Albert S. Polero
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a notice on July 4, 2023 regarding the heightened activity at Mayon Volcano, raising concerns for the safety of residents and visitors in the region.
Since July 3, the Mayon Volcano Network has been recording a continuous tremor-like series of weak volcanic earthquakes. These seismic events have steadily increased in strength throughout the day and are persisting at regular intervals of approximately 5 seconds, lasting for around 11 seconds each. This abrupt and sustained increase in seismic energy release began on 03 July 2023.
PHIVOLCS has also reported satellite detection of a significant rise in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions that same day alongside a sharp increase in average SO2 emission to 1,558 tonnes/day, as measured by campaign survey. This surge in SO2 emissions suggests magmatic gas activity within the volcano's edifice, contributing to the current phase of unrest.
Furthermore, the volcano has experienced dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and rockfall activity. The PDCs flowed down the eastern slopes through the Basud Gully, southern slope via Mi-isi Gully, and southeastern slope through Bonga Gully, reaching distances of 1 to 2 kilometers from the crater. Residents of Guinobatan town and Ligao city reported trace ashfall resulting from these PDCs.
As a precautionary measure, PHIVOLCS maintained Alert Level 3 (increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption) over Mayon Volcano. The agency strongly advises people to remain vigilant and stay away from the 6-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone, which should be evacuated. Additionally, communities residing within 7- and 8-kilometer radii of the volcano are urged to be prepared in case the current PDC activity worsens.
Civil aviation authorities have been notified to inform pilots to avoid flying near the volcano's summit due to the potential hazards posed by ash emissions during eruptions.
Since July 3, the Mayon Volcano Network has been recording a continuous tremor-like series of weak volcanic earthquakes. These seismic events have steadily increased in strength throughout the day and are persisting at regular intervals of approximately 5 seconds, lasting for around 11 seconds each. This abrupt and sustained increase in seismic energy release began on 03 July 2023.
PHIVOLCS has also reported satellite detection of a significant rise in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions that same day alongside a sharp increase in average SO2 emission to 1,558 tonnes/day, as measured by campaign survey. This surge in SO2 emissions suggests magmatic gas activity within the volcano's edifice, contributing to the current phase of unrest.
Furthermore, the volcano has experienced dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and rockfall activity. The PDCs flowed down the eastern slopes through the Basud Gully, southern slope via Mi-isi Gully, and southeastern slope through Bonga Gully, reaching distances of 1 to 2 kilometers from the crater. Residents of Guinobatan town and Ligao city reported trace ashfall resulting from these PDCs.
As a precautionary measure, PHIVOLCS maintained Alert Level 3 (increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption) over Mayon Volcano. The agency strongly advises people to remain vigilant and stay away from the 6-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone, which should be evacuated. Additionally, communities residing within 7- and 8-kilometer radii of the volcano are urged to be prepared in case the current PDC activity worsens.
Civil aviation authorities have been notified to inform pilots to avoid flying near the volcano's summit due to the potential hazards posed by ash emissions during eruptions.
Jul 4, 2023
