NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Slow Effusion Of Lava Recorded In Mayon Volcano
Photo credit: Camalig Public Information Office
In the last 24 hours, Mayon Volcano has continued to exhibit signs of unrest, with slow effusion of lava from the summit crater and ongoing volcanic activities. The lava flows from the volcano's summit crater have extended approximately 2,800 meters and 1,400 meters along the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively. Additionally, collapse debris has reached a distance of 4,000 meters along the Basud channel. This activity has resulted in rockfall events and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) in these areas.
The Mayon Volcano Network has recorded a total of seven PDCs, generated by the collapse of the dome and lava fronts. Alongside this, 361 rockfall events and five volcanic earthquakes were also detected during this period. Moderate degassing from the summit crater has produced steam-laden plumes rising approximately 200 meters before drifting towards the east-southeast. The emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) has averaged 1,582 tonnes per day on 12 July 2023.
Monitoring of the volcano's behavior through various methods, including electronic tiltmeter and EDM (electronic distance meter) measurements, indicates that the upper slopes have been inflating since February 2023. Furthermore, long-term ground deformation parameters suggest significant inflation, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions of Mayon.
As a result of the continuing unrest, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signifying a relatively high level of volcanic activity. The possibility of a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days still exists. To ensure public safety, the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano should remain evacuated. This precaution is due to the potential danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
Residents in surrounding areas are advised to maintain increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars (mudflows), and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining from the volcano. Heavy rainfall may trigger lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where PDC deposits have been deposited.
Furthermore, civil aviation authorities are urged to inform pilots to avoid flying near the summit of the volcano. The ash produced during a sudden eruption can pose a significant hazard to aircraft. Based on prevailing wind patterns, ashfall events are most likely to occur on the south side of the volcano.
The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano. Any new developments will be promptly communicated to all concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
The Mayon Volcano Network has recorded a total of seven PDCs, generated by the collapse of the dome and lava fronts. Alongside this, 361 rockfall events and five volcanic earthquakes were also detected during this period. Moderate degassing from the summit crater has produced steam-laden plumes rising approximately 200 meters before drifting towards the east-southeast. The emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) has averaged 1,582 tonnes per day on 12 July 2023.
Monitoring of the volcano's behavior through various methods, including electronic tiltmeter and EDM (electronic distance meter) measurements, indicates that the upper slopes have been inflating since February 2023. Furthermore, long-term ground deformation parameters suggest significant inflation, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions of Mayon.
As a result of the continuing unrest, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signifying a relatively high level of volcanic activity. The possibility of a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days still exists. To ensure public safety, the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano should remain evacuated. This precaution is due to the potential danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
Residents in surrounding areas are advised to maintain increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars (mudflows), and sediment-laden streamflows in channels draining from the volcano. Heavy rainfall may trigger lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in areas where PDC deposits have been deposited.
Furthermore, civil aviation authorities are urged to inform pilots to avoid flying near the summit of the volcano. The ash produced during a sudden eruption can pose a significant hazard to aircraft. Based on prevailing wind patterns, ashfall events are most likely to occur on the south side of the volcano.
The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano. Any new developments will be promptly communicated to all concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
Jul 14, 2023
