MANILA, Philippines — After increased seismic activity in the past several days, only one volcanic earthquake was recorded in Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Mayon Volcano Observatory resident volcanologist Dr. Paul Alanis said the high number of volcanic earthquakes in the past several days may be caused by cracks of hardened lava.
Phivolcs has reported more than 100 daily volcanic quakes since June 25.
Alanis said these quakes were shallow and could not yet trigger a strong explosion.
“Mayon is known for its very erratic behavior that it exhibited in its past quiet and violent eruption episodes. We are observing not only the number but also the intensity of these abnormal parameters,” he said.
Alanis said Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, and there is no indication whether it would be raised or lowered.
State volcanologists said 372 rockfall events and seven dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents that lasted for three minutes were also recorded.
Phivolcs said continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters and drifted west-northwest.
Sulfur dioxide emission averaged 964 tons per day.
Phivolcs said electronic tilt monitoring indicates that Mayon is still inflated, especially in the northwest and southeas sections.
Evacuees get P105.3- million aid
Meanwhile, the government has spent P105.3 million to provide for the needs of those affected by Mayon’s unrest.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said money, food, water and other basic needs were given to evacuees.
As of yesterday, 10,642 families or 41,483 people were affected by Mayon’s increased seismic activity.
The NDRRMC said 5,354 families or 18,706 people remain in 28 evacuation centers across Bicol. – Cet Dematera, Michael Punongbayan