Phivolcs braces for renewed eruptive activity in Mayon

LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded an “abrupt rise” in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from Mayon Volcano on Monday, suggesting the possibility of renewed eruptive activity.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said SO₂ emissions from the summit crater reached a very high rate of 8,393 tonnes per day, just days after the volcano’s alert status was lowered to Alert Level 2 (moderate level of unrest) from Alert Level 3 (intensified unrest).

“Elevated volcanic SO₂ emissions could forewarn of a potential shift to renewed eruptive activity at the summit crater that could generate volcanic hazards all around the volcano, the impacts of which can be worsened by the prevailing poor weather conditions,” Phivolcs said.

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Phivolcs said this was the highest SO₂ emission recorded from Mayon since volcanic gas concentrations began decreasing on July 16.

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Since the alert level was lowered on Aug. 5, SO₂ emissions have averaged 2,532 tonnes per day.

The agency said the “abrupt rise follows a short-term trend of swelling or pressurization of the northern and eastern sectors of the volcano edifice.”

Volcanic seismicity and real-time seismic energy release has been detected in the background. 

Phivolcs reminded the public that the new phase of eruption could generate life-threatening volcanic hazards that include pyroclastic density currents or uson, rockfall, ballistic fragments that can be thrown out as projectiles from the crater and extensive ashfall that could severely impact communities downwind of the volcano. 

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Local governments were advised to prepare for a possible escalation of volcanic activity and a return to Alert Level 3.

Entry into the volcano’s 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains prohibited. /dp