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Description of the Event
Provide any updates in the situation since the field report and explain what is expected to happen.
The current status of Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3, indicating an on-going state of alertness. The volcano continues to exhibit a slow effusion of lava flow, extending to various lengths along different gullies. Specifically, the lava flow reached approximately 3.4 kilometers along Bonga Gully, 1.1 kilometer along Misi Gully, and 1 kilometer along Basud Gully. Additionally, there have been instances of lava collapse occurring up to 4 kilometers from the volcano’s crater.
Below is a chronological account of volcanic activities of Mayon Volcano, along the corresponding dates:
On 5 June 2023, the alert status of Mayon Volcano was raised to Alert Level 2 (Increasing Unrest), following a sharp increase in the incidence of rockfall from its summit lava dome from an average of 5 events per day in May 2023 to 49 events on 5 June 2023. This status indicated that Mayon Volcano is exhibiting a magmatic eruption of a summit lava dome, which increased the chances of lava flows and hazardous Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC) affecting the upper to middle slopes of the volcano. Furthermore, it was potential for ashfall and volcanic gas emissions that could pose health hazards to nearby communities. Consequently, The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS-DOST) advised the public to avoid entry into the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and to be vigilant against the effects of volcanic hazards, including rockfalls, landslides, and ashfall. The agency further urged local government units to implement necessary preparations and contingency measures to ensure the safety of their constituents.
A state of calamity was declared in Albay on 9 June 2023, which indicated the severity of the situation and the urgent need for government response to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected. The mandatory evacuation of residents within the PDZ was necessary precaution to prevent loss of life and property damage from the potential hazards of volcanic activity. An increase in rockfall and pyroclastic density observed highlighted the unpredictability and danger of Mayon Volcano. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) recommendation for the evacuation of the population within the PDZ and the preparation of those within the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) demonstrated the importance of being prepared for disasters and taking proactive measures to minimize the impact. The evacuation efforts were carried out in coordination with local government units, national agencies, and non-government organizations to ensure that the needs of the affected population were met. Additionally the Government is also providing support in terms of relief goods, medical assistance, and transportation to people displaced at evacuation centers.
On 26 June, there was an increased seismic activity and ground deformation in Mayon Volcano. Eruptive activity has dominated by weak aseismic effusion of degassed lava from summit crater. Following an eruptive activity of Mayon Volcano on 30 June 2023. It was dominated by generation of dome-collapse PDC on the Based Gully on the eastern slopes.
The very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano that was observed since 11 June 2023 continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (Southeastern) gullies until 10 August 2023. The lava flows advanced to maximum lengths 2,800 meters from the summit while the collapsed debris have deposited up to 4,000 meters from the crater. Volcanic earthquakes, rockfall events, and PDCs have also been observed.
As of 3 September 2023, Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible.