Mayon Volcano in Albay has been experiencing an effusive eruption for 21 consecutive days as of Tuesday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reports ongoing activity including incandescent lava flows, rockfall, and pyroclastic density currents – locally known as “uson.”
Ongoing Volcanic Activity
PHIVOLCS documented the activity with photos taken between 8:15 p.m. and 8:17 p.m. Tuesday, showing lava flows and “uson” moving down the volcano’s slopes. These flows, along with rockfalls and PDCs, have been specifically observed in the Mi-isi (south), Bonga (southeast), and Basud (east) Gullies.
As of Tuesday morning, PHIVOLCS recorded 272 volcanic earthquakes, 155 rockfall events, and 44 PDCs. A crater glow, plumes, and ground deformation were also observed. A time-lapse video of the eruption was also shared by the agency.
Alert Level and Safety Measures
PHIVOLCS maintains an Alert Level 3 for Mayon Volcano. This designation carries a strict warning: entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. The agency also monitors sulfur dioxide emissions, a key indicator of magma movement.
Changes in baseline measurements taken along the volcano’s slopes may indicate inflation, potentially linked to subsurface processes like magmatic intrusions, according to PHIVOLCS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pyroclastic density currents?
Pyroclastic density currents, or PDCs, are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter. PHIVOLCS refers to them as “uson.”
What does Alert Level 3 mean?
Alert Level 3 signifies that Mayon Volcano is exhibiting relatively high unrest, with magma at depth. It necessitates the prohibition of entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone.
How is ground deformation monitored?
PHIVOLCS regularly measures baselines using electronic distance meters (EDM) along the slopes of Mayon Volcano to detect changes that may indicate inflation related to magmatic activity.
Given the ongoing activity and the current alert level, the situation could continue with similar eruptive patterns, or it may escalate depending on subsurface changes. Further monitoring will be key to assessing the volcano’s behavior and potential future developments.
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