Legazpi city: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported brief lava fountaining activity on Monday at Mayon Volcano as its effusive eruption continues for 70 days.
According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs' latest 24-hour monitoring bulletin highlights the ongoing lava flows moving through several gullies, with the volcano remaining under Alert Level 3. Recorded lava flows have reached 3.8 kilometers in the Basud Gully, 3.2 kilometers in the Bonga Gully, and 1.3 kilometers in the Mi-isi Gully. This activity was accompanied by intermittent strombolian activity and occasional lava fountaining at the summit crater.
The agency also documented 539 volcanic earthquakes during the monitoring period, along with 290 rockfall events and seven pyroclastic density currents, also known as uson. Additionally, crater glow was observed, and sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at 1,220 tonnes per day, with a 200-meter-high plume drifting westward from the crater.
Ground deformation data indicated that the volcano remains inflated, suggesting ongoing magma movement beneath the edifice. Under Alert Level 3, Mayon is in a state of high unrest, meaning that a magmatic eruption could occur within weeks or even days.
Phivolcs reiterated the strict prohibition of entry into the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone due to the risk of sudden hazards such as rockfalls, lava flows, ash emissions, pyroclastic density currents, and explosive eruptions. Residents and local government units were also cautioned about the potential occurrence of lahars in channels surrounding the volcano during heavy rainfall.
Phivolcs continues to closely monitor Mayon's activity and urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to official advisories.
