Phivolcs Stays Alert Level 3 for Mayon Despite Decrease Seismic Activity

(PNA) — Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday that Mayon Volcano in Albay province still remains on alert lever 3 despite the volcano’s decreased seismic activity in the past 24 hours.

Paul Alanis, science research specialist of Phivolcs’ Volcano Monitoring Division, said the agency’s seismic network recorded four volcanic earthquakes and eight rockfall events from Saturday morning to Sunday morning.

Alanis said Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within weeks.

Although four volcanic tremors were also recorded, Alanis said the rockfall events were slightly lower compared to the 22 events monitored from Friday morning to Saturday morning.

However, he said the public should not misconstrue it as a waning of Mayon’s fury.

He said the public should continue to avoid entering the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the seven-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) on the southeastern flank due to the continuing threat of rockfalls, landslides, and sudden explosions that may generate lava flow.

“Pinapayuhan namin ang publiko na patuloy lang po i-observe at huwag pumasok sa mga danger zones kahit na minsan ay kakaunti lang ang naire-record naming pagyanig dito,” Alanis noted.

Alanis said other parameters monitored around Mayon still indicated that the volcano is still exhibiting relatively high unrest.

He said a weak to moderate emission of white steam could still be seen drifting east-northeast and north-northeast.

“May mga nakikita pa rin na pamamaga ng lupa ang aming mga instrumento dito at ang ibig sabihin nito ay may umaakyat na naman na bagong magma na posibleng lumabas ulit sa bulkan,” he noted.

He added that latest measurement of the volcano’s sulfur dioxide showed that it continues to release about 1,200 tons of sulfur dioxide, a reading which was above the normal base rate of 500 tons per day.

Meanwhile, he said no crater glow was observed Saturday evening due to thick clouds. (PNA) CTB/CLTC

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