306 rockfall events recorded in Mayon

MANILA, Philippines, June 16 ----- There were 306 rockfall events observed at Mayon Volcano, the second day in a row that it surpassed the 300-mark as it continued its unrest that has displaced thousands of residents.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there were also two volcanic earthquakes recorded in the past 24 hours since Wednesday. Phivolcs observed slow effusion from the summit crater emplaced lava flow and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies within approximately a kilometer from the crater. There were also three dome-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) that lasted three to six minutes.

Fair crater glow or “banaag” and incandescent rockfall shed from fluidal lava at the summit was observed as well as steam-laden plumes that reached 700 meters following the continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater. Phivolcs said that Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano and warned a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks. It noted that there is currently a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater.

The evacuation of residents in the 6-km radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) has been undertaken due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards. Meanwhile, there were 20 volcanic earthquakes recorded in Taal Volcano since Wednesday, including five volcanic tremors that lasted two to three minutes. There was also an observed upwelling of hot volcanic fluids and voluminous emission of plumes that measured 2,100 meters tall.

There has been a short-term inflation of the western Taal Volcano island. Taal remains under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest. Phivolcs has recommended the strict prohibition of entry into Taal Volcano island especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.

Source: philstar.com