Mayon: Mayon Volcano has expelled more than 22 million cubic meters of volcanic material since its effusive eruption began on Jan. 6, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol detailed that the volume is equivalent to 1.8 million ten-wheeler truckloads. The expelled material consists of rockfalls, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and lava flows over 37 consecutive days.
Dr. Bacolcol stated in an interview that as Mayon continues its eruption, the volume is expected to increase because rockfalls, PDCs, and lava flows are still occurring. He emphasized that the 6-km. permanent danger zone remains off-limits, as lava flows and PDCs have reached more than 3 km. from the crater.
Monitoring over a recent 24-hour period showed 360 rockfall events and six PDCs. Dr. Bacolcol provided these updates during an information briefing in Camalig, Albay, which aimed to help media and officials better communicate volcanic hazards.
