Legazpi city: Lava effusion is a normal occurrence in active volcanoes, but communities should watch for lava flows, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday. The Phivolcs captured a two-minute lava effusion at Mayon Volcano on Thursday, which generated an ash plume that reached 700 meters high.
According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that lava effusion occurs when magma reaches the surface and releases pressure gradually. This process is usually less explosive. He noted that while lava effusion does not automatically produce an ash plume, it can still result in small ash emissions, a common feature in many active volcanoes.
Bacolcol elaborated on the distinction between lava effusion and lava flow. Lava effusion involves the process of lava emerging from the volcano, whereas lava flow refers to lava that is already moving downslope. He clarified that if the magma is viscous and gas becomes trapped, an explosive eruption is possible.
Bacolcol urged the public to remain vigilant regarding the recent activity at Mayon Volcano. He advised them to watch for potential lava flows, rockfalls, pyroclastic density currents, and ash emissions. He warned that lava flow could collapse and breach the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ), potentially incinerating everything in its path.
The public was reminded to stay out of the PDZ and heed advisories from Phivolcs and local government units.
