Mayon’s abnormal behavior intensifies

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Mayon Volcano’s abnormal behavior continues to intensify as a more visible lava dome is observed at its crater.

Ed Laguerta, Bicol chief volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), also cited the protruding lava dome and bulging of the volcano’s middle slope.

“Our latest ground deformation survey showed that there is at least a two-millimeter increase in the precise leveling instruments. This means that there is a sustained intrusion of volcanic materials from the magma chamber to the surface,” he told The STAR.

Laguerta said he would request for an aerial survey within the week to capture a more precise image of the crater and the lava dome.

“Through our telescope, we observed a big chunk of earth or a stone-like image over or beside the lava dome,” he said.

He said more observations are needed before they could recommend raising the alert level to 3.

The volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission was highest at 1,266 tons on Friday, up from its normal average level of 500 tons a day.

“We will immediately implement evacuation should Phivolcs tell us to do so. We have  alerted all the concerned officials and residents to be ready for any eventuality,” Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, told The STAR.