Mayon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded one (1) volcanic earthquake event during the 24-hour observation period. Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that crept downslope before drifting west-southwest was observed. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 306 tonnes/day on 19 November 2019. Ground deformation data from Precise Leveling surveys obtained on 23 – 30 October 2019 indicate a slight deflation of the edifice relative to 16 – 25 July 2019. However, the volcano generally remains inflated relative to the early 2019 baseline level. This is consistent with recent electronic tilt data. Continuous GPS data also showed inflation of the edifice since February 2019.
Alert Level 2 currently prevails over Mayon Volcano. This means that Mayon is at a moderate level of unrest. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents or PDCs and ashfall can still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon. DOST-PHIVOLCS recommends that entry into the six kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ and a precautionary seven kilometer-radius Extended Danger Zone or EDZ in the south-southwest to east-northeast sector, stretching from Anoling, Camalig to Sta. Misericordia, Sto. Domingo must be strictly prohibited. People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions associated with rockfalls, PDCs, and ashfall. Active stream/river channels and those identified as perennially lahar-prone areas on all sectors of the volcano should also be avoided especially during extreme weather conditions when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and PDCs may pose hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS