Mayon keeps Alert Level 3 amid ash fall

MANILA, Philippines — Mayon Volcano remained at Alert Level 3 after spewing a cloud of ash and debris across Bicol, state seismologists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

In its 24-hour observation on Sunday, May 3, Phivolcs said lava flows reached 3.8 kilometers in Basud Gully, 3.2 km in Bonga Gully, and 1.6 kmin Mi-isi Gully.

Phivolcs also recorded weak strombolian activity, along with sporadic lava fountaining and a series of pyroclastic density currents within Mi-isi Gully, specifically inside the Permanent Danger Zone.

Ashfall was likewise reported in areas southwest of the volcano.

The volcanic network detected a total of 32 volcanic earthquakes, including 25 tremor events lasting between two and 15 minutes.

Additionally, 284 rockfall events and 14 pyroclastic density current signals were recorded.

A distinct crater glow, or “banaag,” remains visible to the naked eye, while sulfur dioxide flux was measured at 1,586 tonnes per day as of May 1.

Phivolcs also noted degassing from the crater, with plumes drifting west-northwest and northwest.

Ground deformation was also observed in the edifice, with slight swelling detected in the northeastern sector.