Phivolcs says Mayon Volcano soon to erupt

2014_0817_mayon

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 3 -– Mayon is about to erupt according to Phivolcs resident volcanologist Ed laguerta during the media briefing at the APSEMO office here, Friday morning.

Mayon is heading toward a vulcanian eruption accompanied by pryoclastic flows, Laguerta said, even as he pointed out the worsening abnormal condition of the volcano like the continuous ground deformation or swelling on both the northern and southern portions of the volcano.

Laguerta said that the magma is passing through one channel and its force is even.

He added that the volume of sulfuric dioxide emission was down to 300 metric tons per day during the past 24-hour observation period from the 1,400 metric tons in the previous period, because the crater is sealed.

He said there would be a strong force coming from beneath the volcano due to the continuous ascent of magma that will cause a sudden eruption which could lead to a big explosion.

As intermittent rains have been pouring in the are, the possibility of rain water seeping inside the cavity of the lava could also cause a sudden phreatic explosion, he said.

Phivolcs confirmed the disappearance of animals along Mayon’s slopes due to the increase in temperature.

Laguerta said that in his 30 experience in monitoring the volcano, this condition always leads to an eruption. The eruption could start from strombolion to vulcanian or from an explosion to a big eruption.

Present during the briefing were Governor Joey Salceda, civil defense Bicol chief Raffy Alejandro, 901st Infantry Brigade commanding officer Col. Raul Fernacio and Albay Provincial Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Marlo Meneses. (with report from Nancy Mediavillo)

*26

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *