The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) has observed four pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) at Mayon Volcano in Albay.
In an interview during DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, Philvolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said four PDCs were recorded as of 5 a.m. today, indicating that deflash volcanic materials came from the crater.
Bacolcol added that Mayon's sulfur level on Tuesday was 870 times per day, which is lower than the 959 times per day recorded from the previous day.
Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Director, Phivolcs, sa latest update ng Mayon Volcano: Yung nareport kahapon pyroclastic density currents collapse lang yun. In fact meron na tayon 4 since 5am kanina #DamdamingBayan#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 20, 2023
LIVE: : https://t.co/aeatn0DQQG pic.twitter.com/exeorITCWy
Based on Philvocs' latest bulletin, the Mayon Volcano Network recorded nine volcanic earthquakes and 147 rockfall events in the past 24 hours.
The lava flows have maintained their advances to approximately 3.4 kilometers in Bonga (southeastern), 2.8 kilometers in Mi-isi (south), and 1.1 kilometers in Basud (eastern) gullies.
Meanwhile, rockfalls and PDCs generated by collapses of the lava flow margins as well as of the summit dome deposited debris still within four kilometers from the crater.
Compared to the volcano's events last July and August, Bacolcol said that the parameters are now lower.
Alert level 3 is maintained over Mayon, which means that it is currently at a relatively high level of unrest, and a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible.
Residents who are under the six-kilometers radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) are advised to remain evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.
Increased vigilance against PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised.
