Mayon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded five (5) volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour observation period. Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that crept downslope toward west-northwest and west-southwest was observed. Faint crater glow from the summit could be observed at night. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 336 tonnes/day on 11 March 2020. Recent electronic tilt data showed inflation of the middle to upper portions of the volcanic edifice that began in the last quarter of 2019. This follows an inflationary trend that began in February 2019 as recorded by continuous GPS monitoring.
DOST-PHIVOLCS reiterates that Alert Level 2 currently prevails over Mayon because the volcano is at a moderate level of unrest. It is therefore strongly recommended 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 should be strictly prohibited. The public is reminded that sudden explosions, lava collapse, pyroclastic density currents or PDCs and ashfall can occur without warning and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon. People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions against 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 is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s condition and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.
DOST-PHIVOLCS