MAJESTIC BUT DANGEROUS Mount Mayon towers above Legazpi City, the provincial capital of Albay and the regional center of Bicol, belying the danger that lurks on its slopes as the volcano remains restive. This photo was taken on Friday, two days before Mayon’s steam-driven eruption. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA
LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a phreatic eruption on Mayon Volcano on Sunday.
The volcano ejected a 500-meter plume at 7:23 p.m., which lasted for a minute and drifted north-northeast of the volcano.
On July 18, the agency recorded a 200-meter light gray ash and steam plume.
Phivolcs also recorded one volcanic earthquake and moderate emissions of up to 300 meters, which drifted east of the volcano.
On Aug. 20, Phivolcs recorded the volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission at 598 tons.
The volcano’s status was lowered to level 1, indicating abnormal condition, on March 5.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol stressed the importance of not venturing inside the 6-km permanent danger zone because phreatic eruptions could happen anytime. INQ