Sunday, 11 November 2012

LATEST: Mayon volcano: Signs of unrest


SIGNS of unrest have been detected at Mayon volcano that could be first signs of new activity in the future.

PHILVOLCS has been recording few, but more than background numbers of volcanic earthquakes under the volcano recently. 

Visible activity consists of the emission of white steam plumes. 

Cater glow if any could not be observed due to cloud cover of the summit area.

The SO2 emission rate was last measured on 01 November 2012 at an average of 153 tonnes per day. Ground deformation by precise leveling between Aug 2011 and May 2012, as well as tile and GPS data between May and Aug 2012 indicated slight inflation of the lower and deflation of the upper slopes.

Mayon Volcano’s alert status remains at Alert Level 1. 

Although an eruption in the near future is considered unlikely, PHILVOLCS strongly advises a 6km safety radius around the volcano and mentions that sudden steam-driven (phreatic) explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano could occur any time.

Active stream/river channels and those identified as perennially lahar prone areas on all sectors of the volcano should also be avoided especially during bad weather condition or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. 

PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned. - VolcanoDiscovery

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