DATE: 18 December 2009 as of 3:00 PM
Source: DOST-PHIVOLCS, OCDRC-V, ALBAY PDCC, AFP, JTF MAYON, DPWH V
I. SITUATION OVERVIEW
- The status of Mayon volcano remains hoisted at Alert Level 3. This means that magma is close to the crater and hazardous explosive eruption is imminent
- Since an increasing trend is noticeable at present, the possibility of hazardous volcanic eruption is high.
Observations:
- Mayon Volcano manifested an increase in it's activity during the past observation period. A total of two hundred forty eight (248) volcanic quakes and tremors were recorded by the seismic network. Fifty (50) of these events were explosion type, however, only seven (7) were observed during times of good visibility.
- The explosions produced dark gray to dark brown ash columns that reached a maximum height of up to 1000m above the summit before drifting towards southwest.
- During the cloud breaking this morning, steaming activity ranged from dirty white to light brown in color. Night observation showed an intensified crater glow.
- The advancing lava flow has now reached approximately 3 km downslope from the crater while incandescent fragments from the lava pile continuously roll down along Bonga Gully reaching about 3-4 km downslope.
Recommendations
- PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity because of sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows.
- At Alert Level 3, PHIVOLCS strongly recommends mandatory evacuation of households in all areas within the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 6-8 km extended danger zone up to the 8 km extended high risk zone in the Southeast Quadrant particularly the Buyuan, Mabinit and Bonga areas.
- In addition, areas in the south that are outside the 7-km danger zone but within 8 kilometers of the crater should be extra alert for increased volcanic activity.
- Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.