Mayon’s 24-hour rampage: 5 volcanic earthquakes, 361 rockfalls unleashed

STILL RUMBLING | Mayon Volcano continuously generates pyroclastic density currents and lava flow, as seen in this photo at 5:40 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Daraga, Albay. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded increased activity on Monday morning due to lava dome collapse. (Contributed photo by DENNIS MIRABUENO)

MANILA, Philippines — State seismologists on Friday said Mayon registered five volcanic earthquakes and 361 rockfall events from 5:00 a.m., July 13 to 5:00 a.m. July 14.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said in its latest bulletin that the volcano had seven pyroclastic density currents (PDC) generated by a dome and lava-front collapse during their last 24-hour monitoring.

READ: Increased pyroclastic flow noted on Mayon

PDC refers to mixtures of fragmented volcanic particles, hot gases, and ash that rush down the volcano’s slopes or rapidly outward from a source vent at high speeds.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Mayon Volcano

The previous 24-hour observation period showed that it logged 10 PDC, three volcanic earthquakes, and 286 rockfall events.

Phivolcs has raised Mayon Volcano’s alert level to 3 since June 8. Its officials also said that Mayon’s restlessness may last for several months.

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