Mayon Volcano Still Restive

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 23 ---Mayon Volcano continues to disgorge fluctuating levels of sulfur dioxide gas - a sign that may lead to an eruption.

This prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to be on heightened alert. It is now closely checking the restive behavior of the volcano signified by high level of sulfur dioxide emission and high and low frequency volcanic quakes.

Phivolcs scientists noted the fluctuating SO2 gas disgorge levels by the volcano for the past 72 hours. It spewed 1,429 tons of gas on Thursday - a record breaking manifestation since the volcano exhibited signs of restlessness in July.

Phivolcs bulletin on Friday said the volcano disgorged 435 tons of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) for the past 24 hours, which is way below the 1,429 tons on Thursday, 586 tons on Wednesday and the 188 tons on Tuesday.

The agency seismic instruments detected only four high and low frequency volcanic earthquakes, bringing to a total of 69 the quakes recorded this month.

Scientists said the volcano's abnormality levels are indication of a possible eruptive state.

Phivolcs said the high and low frequency harmonic quakes detected by seismic instruments signify that magma intrusion is developing in the volcano's crater vent.

Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said the agency is still assessing the abnormal state of the volcano based on given parameters like ground deformation, volcanic quakes and gas emission, and crater glow.

Precise Leveling results indicate the volcano's edifice remains inflated at 6.0 mm swelling at the Buang lines while Lidong lines posted a 1.0 mm inflation.

The volcano crater glow remained at intensity level II, while steam emission was at a moderate level.

These significant volcanic abnormality signs prompted disaster authorities to strictly enforce the "no entry" rule in designated danger zone areas surrounding the volcano.

Police and military personnel manning the 12 checkpoints along the danger zone at the volcano's down slope were directed to enforce the "no human activity" rule inside the designated danger zone areas covering the towns of Sto. Domingo, Daraga, Camalig, including the cities of Ligao, Tabaco and this city.

Alert level 2 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano. Phivolcs strongly recommended that the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone including the 7-km extended danger zones be strictly off limits to any human activity due to threat of sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes of the volcano. (PNA)