Mayon Explodes With Ash Columns / Mayon Volcano Update 23 December
Mitch Battros - Earth Changes Media
Mayon Volcano Wednesday hurled huge ash columns as high as one kilometer into the sky as the angry mountain threatened to unleash its first major Christmastime eruption in 138 years. Local volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said today: "Safety parameters have been extended to a great degree, but the escalating activity might force us to raise the alert level to "Red" which is the highest."
"But it would happen only when Mayon shoots a straight ash column containing pyroclastic materials and molten, burning rocks as big as homes from its crater, accompanied by intense rumbling and a series of moderate earthquakes." Laguerta said.
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Mayon Volcano Update 23 December
Mayon Volcano Undergoing Strombolian Phase
Mt Mayon is believed to be in a strombolian phase (often occurs before a major eruption), say state vulcanologists.
- Lava flow has reached 5.5 km from the summit.
- There may be a series of eruptions instead of a single catastrophic explosion.
- Magma movement continues to generate continuous tremors.
- Albay residents who refuse to leave their properties may have to sign a waiver.
The following bulletin was issued by PHIVOLCS:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 10
23 December 2009 – 7:00 AM [UTC + 8hrs]
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity remained elevated in number and size as the seismic network detected 1,051 volcanic earthquakes and continuously recorded harmonic tremors. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection. Sixty six (66) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced grayish to light brown ash columns that reached height from 100 to 1000 meters above the summit before drifting towards southwest.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high and was measured at an average of 6,737 tons per day (t/d) yesterday. Two hundred eighty (280) audible booming and rumbling sounds were intermittently heard for the past 24 hours. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. 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. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.
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