Mayon Volcano Ejects Ash

Mayon Volcano: ‘undergoing an episode of increased activity’

Mayon Volcano Advisory – PHIVOLCS

August 10, 2008 – 12:00 P.M.

At 9:12 A.M. today, Mayon Volcano manifested mild ash explosion that reached an approximate height of 200 m above the summit crater before drifting east-northeast. The ash-ejection was recorded as explosion-type earthquake which lasted for one minute by the seismic network deployed around the volcano. Immediately after the explosion, visual observation becomes hampered by the thick clouds. During the past weeks, seismic activity had slightly increased and crater glow had slightly intensified. Precise leveling surveys conducted at Mayon from May 10 – 22, 2008 compared to February 17 – March 2, 2008 survey also showed inflation of the volcanic edifice.

Mayon Volcano overlooks a pastoral scene some five months before the volcano’s violent eruption in September 1984. Ruins from a nearby church destroyed in an 1814 eruption are visible in the foreground. One of the climbing approaches to the 2,462 meter Mayon Volcano begins on the northwest slope near the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology research station. [Credit: Randy C. Bunney. Permission: CC-BY-SA-2.5. Source and Caption: Wikimedia Commons.]

Pyroclastic flows at Mayon Volcano, Philippines, 1984. Pyroclastic flows descend the south-eastern flank of Mayon Volcano, Philippines. Maximum height of the eruption column was 15 km above sea level, and volcanic ash fell within about 50 km toward the west. There were no casualties from the 1984 eruption because more than 73,000 people evacuated the danger zones as recommended by scientists of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. [Credit: C.G. Newhall, USGS.]

Mayon Volcano as seen from space. [NASA]

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The above observations show that Mayon Volcano is undergoing an episode of increased activity probably related to magma movement and post eruptive behavior of the volcano. Although no major eruption is indicated, steam and ash explosions may occur in the following days.
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In view of the above, PHIVOLCS reiterates that Mayon Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1. The public, however, is reminded that the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) at the southeastern flank of the volcano and the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) at other areas remain off-limits due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes. Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar-prone around the volcano should be avoided when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. PHIVOLCS is keeping a tight watch over Mayon and shall immediately report any significant development to all concerned.

Advisory Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)

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