No volcanic quakes recorded in Mayon

MANILA, Philippines — No volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Mayon Volcano yesterday even as it was placed under Alert Level 2 for increased activity just the day before.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there was moderate emission of steam-laden plumes that crept downslope and drifted westward.

As Mayon remains under Alert Level 2, Phivolcs warned that phreatic eruptions or even a hazardous magmatic eruption is possible as the volcanic unrest is driven by shallow magmatic processes.

It said entry into the six-kilometer radius of the volcano, a permanent danger zone, is strictly prohibited.

Residents of communities downwind of the volcano’s crater have been advised to cover their noses and mouths with a damp and clean cloth or a dust mask in case of ash fall events.

During an aerial survey last Friday, volcanologists observed the presence of freshly-extruded lava at the base of the summit lava dome.

There has also been continued aseismic growth of the volcano’s lava dome (not caused by an earthquake) as shown by daily visual and camera monitoring of the summit crater.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prohibiting flights to operate 10,000 feet from the surface of Mt. Mayon.
The NOTAM also advised against flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from the sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

The CAAP operates seven airports in the Bicol Region, namely: Bulan Airport, Sorsogon Airport, Daet Airport, Masbate Airport, Naga Airport, Virac Airport, and Bicol International Airport. – Cet Dematera, Rudy Santos