New lava flow seen on Mayon volcano after 2 days of quiet

In this handout photo taken on October 12, 2014 and released by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) shows the crater of Mayon volcano spewing smoke as seen from the observation post in Legazpi City, Albay province, southeast of Manila. AFP

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A new lava flow was seen in Mayon Volcano Sunday, breaking two days of almost no perceptible activity.

Eduardo Laguerta, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the lava flow was estimated to be 100 meters long cascading at the southeast side of the volcano.

“If the flow will continue, it would go through Bogña and Buyuan (gullies), both part of the southeast quadrant of the volcano,” Laguerta said.

Aside from the lava flow, a crater glow was also recorded early on Sunday, he added.

According to Laguerta, they would consider raising the alert level to 4 if the lava flow and crater glow would continue.

Last Sunday, Oct. 12, a 350-meter long viscous lava flow was seen, the first since Sept. 15, when Mayon became restive and alert level 3 was raised over the volcano.

The bulletin posted by Phivolcs on its website at 8 a.m. Sunday said Mayon Volcano’s seismic network recorded two volcanic earthquakes during the past 24-hour observation period.

Moderate emission of white steam plumes drifting west and northwest was also observed.

No crater glow was observed on Saturday night due to inclement weather, while the sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 269 tons per day on Oct. 17, the bulletin said. With a report from Aries Hegina, INQUIRER.net

 Originally posted at 12:47 pm | Sunday, October 19, 2014

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