AT A GLANCE
- Lava flows have advanced to maximum lengths of 2,500 meters and 1,800 meters along the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively.
- During its 24-hour monitoring of the restive volcano, Phivolcs recorded two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDC) that lasted two to three minutes, 301 rockfall events, and one volcanic earthquake.
- Mayon’s current state could last for a few months and its alert level 3 status could be maintained.
Lava flow from Mayon Volcano’s effusive eruption has reached a “maximum length” of up to 2.5 kilometers from the summit crater, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, June 20.
Phivolcs said a “very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris” on the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies on the south and southeastern sides of the crater, respectively.
It pointed out that the lava flows have advanced to maximum lengths of 2,500 meters and 1,800 meters along the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively.
Meanwhile, it has displaced collapsed debris up to 3,300 meters from the crater.
During its 24-hour monitoring of the restive volcano, Phivolcs recorded two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDC) that lasted two to three minutes, 301 rockfall events, and one volcanic earthquake
“Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters before drifting to the general west,” it added.
The effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano produced more than one kilometer-long lava flow, as seen in this photo taken on June 17, 2023. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)
‘High-level’ unrest persists
Phivolcs said that Mayon’s current state could last for a few months and its alert level 3 status could be maintained.
Mayon Volcano has been on alert level 3 since June 8, indicating that a “hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days.”
It is “currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater,” Phivolcs pointed out.
The evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone has been recommended due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
Phivolcs warned the public to be cautious of PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice.
It pointed out that heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows on channels where PDC deposits were emplaced.
Likewise, it said that ash fall events may “most likely” occur on the south side of the volcano, based on the current wind pattern.
Phivolcs advised civil aviation authorities to ask pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano because ash from sudden eruption may pose hazards to aircraft.
