Mayon Volcano logged 184 volcanic earthquakes in past 24 hours

Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay in Bicol, the Philippines, recorded 184 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

PHIVOLCS, a Philippine national institution dedicated to providing information on the activities of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, revealed that Mayon Volcano also recorded 238 rockfall events. In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS also revealed that three dome-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) events were also recorded.

On Sunday, Mayon, also known as Mount Mayon, emitted 1,689 tonnes of sulfur dioxide. It also reported nine volcanic earthquakes on Sunday. 

PHIVOLCS noted that hazardous eruptions can be possible within weeks or even days. PHIVOLCS warned that heavy rainfall could also be possible.

PHIVOLCS said, “Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised.”

Last month, Alert Level 3 in Mayon Volcano was raised because three PDC events were observed on the Bonga (southeast) and Basud (east) gullies of the volcano.

On 11 June, the Philippines government declared a state of calamity across 18 cities. Continuous volcanic earthquakes caused breathing issues among children. They suffered because of acute respiratory infections, fever and dizziness.

According to reports, in recent days, around 40,000 residents in the Albay region have been impacted due to Mayon’s eruption. A hazardous explosive eruption can further affect them. 

Last month, the volcanic eruption forced around 18,000 people to flee to emergency shelters. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., the President of the Philippines, also flew to Albay province to reassure the safety of people. He also distributed food aid to displaced villagers.

The President said, “The Philippines falls victim not only to volcano explosions, but of course to typhoons and earthquakes. We are in that part of the world where we are vulnerable.”