The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues its close watch of Mayon volcano which is still placed under alert level 3. It said that the eruption of Mayon Volcano is imminent, saying that its internal processes are continuing despite an outwardly calm appearance.
In its latest advisory, Phivolcs said Mayon Volcano’s seismic network recorded three volcanic earthquakes and 18 rockfall events during the past 24-hour observation period. Weak to moderate emission of white steam plumes drifting east-northeast, northeast and southwest was observed. Crater glow was not observed Sunday (Sept. 22) night. Sulfur dioxide flux was measured at an average of 1,048 tons per day Sunday lower than the 2,360 tons per day on Sept. 6.
Phivolcs also continued to observe “inflationary changes” in the edifice of Mayon volcano since February 2014.
“All the above data indicate that the volcano is exhibiting relatively high unrest due to the movement of potentially eruptible magma,” said Phivolcs’ latest advisory.
Phivolcs says that Mayon volcano’s eruption is possible within weeks, and its volcano alert status remains on Alert Level 3.
This means that magma is already at the crater.
Phivolcs also recommended that the six-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano and the seven km extended danger zone on the southern flank be enforced due to the danger of rock falls, landslides and sudden explosions or dome collapse that may generate hazardous volcanic flows. (Eagle News Service)