Mayon Volcano Reportedly Emits Lava Bursts in Past 24 Hours, Phivolcs Says
MAYON VOLCANO UPDATE – The state volcanology agency Phivolcs reported that Mayon Volcano emits lava bursts.
On Saturday (October 21, 2023), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said that Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay, Philippines, has recently exhibited increased volcanic activity.
Short-lived lava bursts and increased seismic activity were recorded due to volcanic unrest. The agency maintains Alert Level 3 for Mayon Volcano, indicating intensified unrest and ongoing magmatic activity.
Mayon Volcano experienced two short-lived lava bursts in the past 24 hours. The first lava burst was recorded at 6:36 p.m. on Friday (October 20), and the second occurred at 12:06 a.m. on Saturday.
PHIVOLCS noted a huge number of volcanic earthquakes, with 31 recorded during the same period. Among these were 23 tremor events, varying in duration from one minute to 52 minutes.
Such earthquake events are indicative of the movement of magma beneath the surface.
Gas and ash plumes have been seen rising up to 1,000 meters above the volcano’s summit. These plumes were then carried by the prevailing wind patterns in a south-southwest and westward direction.
Because of the ongoing volcanic instability and the possible threats posed by Mayon Volcano, PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 3. This level indicates that magma is present in the crater and that the possibility of an eruption is increasing.
As a result, access within the six-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone, as well as any aviation activities near the volcano, are heavily restricted.
Rockfalls, landslides, or avalanches; the ejection of ballistic fragments; lava flows and lava fountaining; pyroclastic density currents (PDCs); moderate-sized explosions; and the potential for lahars, particularly during periods of heavy and sustained rainfall, are all hazards associated with Mayon Volcano.
Residents and visitors in the Mayon Volcano area are asked to remain attentive, follow official advisories, and be prepared to take required precautions if further volcanic activity occurs. PHIVOLCS is still actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the local community.