THE possibility of Mayon Volcano having a major eruption is still “remote” despite the irregularity of its activities, said a Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) official on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

In a television interview, Phivolcs resident volcanologist in Bicol, Dr. Paul Alanis, said the possibility of a small eruption from the active volcano remains.

He noted two possible scenarios amid the ongoing activity of Mayon:

* It may have a quiet eruption with rock fall and minor lava flow similar to what happened in 2014.

* It is preparing for a major eruption with small bursts but with major lava flow similar to what happened in 2018.

He said they have recorded weak pressure on the lower slopes of Mayon but stronger in its peak area.

As of June 6, Phivolcs said 74 rock fall events were recorded from Mayon.

The volcano also emitted a total of 208 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.

There was a moderate plume emission reaching up to 200 meters tall, drifting in west-southwest direction, possibly affecting the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao and Oas in Albay.

The agency said there was no crater glow observed and volcano edifice was inflated.

Phivolcs said entry into the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and plying of any aircraft close to the volcano is prohibited.

Among the possible hazards were the sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption, rock falls or landslides/avalanches and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Phivolcs raised the alert of Mayon Volcano from level 1 to 2, which means there is an “increasing unrest,” on Monday, June 5, 2023. (SunStar Philippines)