Mayon, Bulusan acting up

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—At least 15 volcanic quakes and one rock-fall were detected in the past 24 hours on Mt. Mayon even as Mt. Bulusan in neighboring Sorsogon continued to show signs of restiveness.

In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a moderate emission of white steam that shot up 400 meters above Mayon’s crater was observed drifting west-southwest and southwest.

Crater glow was also observed at Intensity 2 (can be seen by the naked eye).

Results of a ground deformation measurement conducted on May 7-11 showed slight inflation of the volcano edifice as compared to the survey on March 6-10, Phivolcs said.

Alert level 1 is still in effect over Mayon Volcano. Although no eruption is imminent, the public should not enter the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) due to continuing threats from sudden small explosions and rock falls from the upper and middle slopes, Phivolcs said.

Residents are advised to avoid active stream and river channels and perennially identified lahar-prone areas in the southern sector of Mayon, especially during bad weather.

Meanwhile, restive Mt. Bulusan appeared to have quieted down but remained unpredictable, resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta said on Sunday.

Phivolcs’ seismic instruments detected on Sunday only four volcanic earthquakes during a 24-hour observation period, while 11 volcanic quakes jolted the volcano on Saturday.
But the fluctuating trend in volcanic quakes was still a sign that the volcano’s state remained unstable, Laguerta said.

He said Phivolcs would continue to closely monitor Mt. Bulusan since it again spewed ash on Friday and some ground deformation was noted around the volcano.

He advised local disaster councils in Sorsogon to be ready for any eventuality. Mar S. Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon