Mayon Volcano About to Erupt – Phivolcs

Legazpi City (PNA) -– Mayon is about to erupt, Dr. Ed Laguerta, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology resident volcanologist, said during the Mayon Volcano Media Briefing at the APSEMO Office Friday morning.

The media briefing was also attended by Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, Office of Civil Defense Bicol Regional Director Raffy Alejandro, 901st Infantry Brigade commanding officer Col. Raul Fernacio and Albay Provincial Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Marlo Meneses.

Laguerta said Mayon is heading toward a vulcanian eruption or a big eruption accompanied by pryoclastic flows.

He pointed out the worsening abnormal condition of the volcano, like its continuous ground deformation with an inflation of three millimeters in 10 days.

Ground swelling appears on both the northern and southern parts of the volcano, the veteran volcanologist added.

“This is because the magma is passing through one channel and its force is even,” Laguerta explained.

Besides, he added, the volume of sulfuric dioxide emission was down to 300 metric tons per day during the past 24-hour observation period from the 1,400 metric tons in the previous period.

“This is because the crater of Mayon is sealed,” the scientist added.

He said there would be a strong force coming from beneath the volcano due to the continuous ascent of magma.

“This will cause a sudden eruption that could led to a big explosion,” Laguerta said.

There is also the possibility of rain water seeping inside the cavity of the lava which could also cause a sudden phreatic explosion that could lead to an explosion, he said.

Intermittent rains have been occurring in the area.

The Phivolcs official also confirmed the disappearance of animals along Mayon’s slopes due to the increase in temperature as a result of Mayon’s restiveness.

Laguerta said that in his 30 experience in monitoring the volcano, this condition always leads to an eruption.

The eruption could start from strombolion to vulcanian or from an explosion to a big eruption, which he earlier compared to a bomb. (PNA) FFC/FGS/NIM/CBD

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