THE restiveness of Mayon Volcano may last for at least three months, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said Monday, June 19, 2023.
In a radio interview, Bacolcol said the current activities of Mayon is similar to its exertion from August to November 2014.
“So kapag ganito ang tinitignan natin, it will probably take at least three months bago huminto ang activity ng Mayon,” he said.
(So when we look at it this way, it will probably take at least three months before Mayon's activity stops.)
Bacolcol said that staying within the permanent danger zone within the said period should be prohibited, noting that the activities of Mayon may progress into violent eruption.
He said the pyroclastic density events, landslides and rockfalls remain a serious threat to human safety especially within the permanent danger zone.
In a 24-hour summary observation, the Phivolcs said no volcanic earthquake, 256 rockfall events and five pyroclastic density current events were recorded in Mayon since 5 a.m. of June 18.
It said there was a “very slow” effusion of lava flow to maximum strength of 1.5 kilometers and lava collapse on Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies within 3.3 kilometers from the crater.
It has emitted 889 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.
There was a moderate plume emission reaching up to 600 meters tall, drifting to the west direction.
As of 8 a.m., the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said a total of 38,961 persons or 10,146 were affected by the Mayon’s unrest with 18,892 persons and 5,466 families inside evacuation centers.
Over P71.5 million worth of assistance from the government have been provided to the affected population.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier instructed concerned government agencies to extend the coverage of government’s assistance to the affected families to 90 days. (SunStar Philippines)