Phivolcs notes 3 minor ash explosions at Mayon

At least three minor ash explosions were recorded at Mayon Volcano in Bicol early Tuesday, prompting authorities to appeal anew to the public to stay away from the volcano's danger zones. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the three minor ash explosions were recorded at 5:37 a.m. "These events lasted for about three minutes. The explosions produced a brownish ash column that rose about 700 meters above the crater and drifted to the southwest," it said in its advisory. On the other hand, Phivolcs said a "faint crater glow" was observed Monday night. Radio dzXL reported Tuesday noon that the Phivolcs has started coordinating with the Albay Public Safety and Disaster Management Office to prepare for possible evacuation of residents. The Phivolcs said that in the last 24 hours, the seismic network recorded 11 volcanic earthquakes. Steam emission that varied from weak to moderate drifted north-northwest and east-northeast, the Phivolcs said. It also said sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate decreased to 50 tons per day compared to the previous reading of 818 tons/day last September 12. "The status of Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2. This means a state of unrest which could lead to more ash explosion or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption," it said. It reiterated that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank are off-limits due to the threat of sudden explosions and rock falls from the upper slope. "Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather condition or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," the Phivolcs said. Last July 10, the agency raised the alert level at Mayon after noting a “moderate unrest." “This alert condition signifies a state of unrest which could lead to ash explosions or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption. Thus, at Alert Level 2, the Phivolcs strongly recommends that the 6-km radius PDZ around the volcano and the 7-km EDZ on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits to people," it said on its Web site. - GMANews.TV