Phivolcs: 38 quakes recorded at Mayon in last 24 hours

At least 38 volcanic quakes highlighted a marked increase in seismic activity at Mayon Volcano in Albay in the last 24 hours, state volcanologists said Wednesday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology also noted "weak to moderate" steaming activity at Mayon, which is in an area threatened by Tropical Storm Chedeng. "The seismic network detected 38 volcanic earthquakes (in the last 24 hours)," Phivolcs said in its Wednesday update. It added that the steaming activity was observed during cloud breaks from 6:01 to 9:20 a.m.; 2:35 to 2:55 p.m.; and 4:35 to 5:29 p.m. Tuesday. Phivolcs said the steam varied from weak to moderate, with white steam clouds drifting towards southwest. Also, it said a fair crater glow (Intensity II, can be seen by the naked eye) was observed from 8:47 p.m. Tuesday to 4:40 a.m. Wednesday. Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, and reminded the public not to enter the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. 4 quakes in Bulusan Meanwhile, at least four quakes were recorded at Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon, with steaming activity observed at the volcano's southeast and southwest thermal vents. Phivolcs said the steaming varied from "wispy to moderate," with white steam clouds that reached up to 50 meters above the active vents and drifting towards northeast. Bulusan's status remains at Alert Level 1, with entry to the 4-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) strictly prohibited since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Phivolcs reminded residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano to take precautions against ashfalls. It also urged civil aviation authorities to warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. At the same time, Phivolcs said people living near valleys and river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. 4 quakes at Taal In Batangas, at least four volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano during the past 24 hours. "One of these events which occurred at 9:50 a.m. (Tuesday) was felt at Intensity II by residents at Barangay Calauit in the southeastern part of the Volcano Island and was also accompanied by a rumbling sound," Phivolcs said. Phivolcs said Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, meaning the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. It also reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. — RSJ, GMA News