Mayon’s crater glows more intense
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Mayon Volcano emitted a crater glow which grew more intense, after spewing ash at least thrice last Wednesday, and was visible as far as 15 kilometers away the other night.
Ed Laguerta, resident volcanologist here of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said Mayon’s surface remains puffed up even with the series of ash or phreatic explosions. “This means that magmatic pressure inside the volcano is sustained. But all these activities are still within alert level 2.”
He rejected rumors that the volcano is now slowly going back to normal due to fewer volcanic quakes detected after the ash explosions.
At least eight minor quakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, while the volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission was measured at 514 tons, way above the normal volume of 500 tons per day.
At least 700 households from Barangays Miisi and Bañadero in Daraga town left the area and were provided by relief aid. Residents within a radius of six to seven kilometers from Mayon’s crater have been alerted for evacuation should the situation worsen.
Photo and news via Philstar
