Mayon Volcano sends lava bursts as eruption enters 57th day

MANILA, Philippines — Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay was seen producing small bursts of lava and flowing molten rock along its slopes amid 57 consecutive days of eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

According to the state volcanology bureau, the eruptions on Tuesday evening were small and short-lived, a type of activity known as minor strombolian eruptions.

Lava continued to flow 3.8 kilometers down the gully of Basud, 2.7 kilometers in Bonga, and 1.3 kilometers in Mi-isi, Phivolcs said Wednesday.

In its 24-hour observation summary, the agency also reported 21 small volcanic quakes, 278 rockfall events and seven small lava avalanches, locally called “uson.”

Meanwhile, volcanic plumes rose about 500 meters above the crater, drifting west-southwest.

Volcanic gas emissions remain high, with 1,755 tons of sulfur dioxide released per day.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, and entry into the 6-kilometer danger zone is strictly prohibited. /apl