Located in Philippines’ Albay province, the Mayon Volcano has shown signs of increased volcanic activity which in turn raises the risk of an eruption. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has escalated the Alert Level from 2 to 3. Let’s take a look at all the cities and towns affected by the eruption and the possible cause behind the Mayon Volcano’s current unrest.
Exploring the reason behind Mayon Volcano eruption
Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is currently going through an effusive magmatic eruption. Simply put, magma is the hot molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface. This is slowly flowing out of the volcano, unlike other eruptions that happen suddenly with big explosions.
After Alert Level 3 was announced, this is Mayon Volcano now Spewing Lava. Take care Albayanos #MayonVolcano pic.twitter.com/3qOZaWOLt0
— arkitrader 📈📉💰☕️📚🏗️ (@arkitrader1) June 8, 2023
PHIVOLCS’ scientists have been closely monitoring the Mayon Volcano to find the cause and noticed some concerning signs. The volcano’s summit (top part) has been growing and collapsing repeatedly. Between June 5 and 8, a total of 267 rockfall events and two volcanic earthquakes were recorded.
In addition, there have been three recent pyroclastic density currents i.e, PDC events. This basically means a mixture of volcanic particles, gasses, and ash rushes down the slopes of the volcano. PDC events happened close to the summit of the volcano.
Cities and towns affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption
A magma movement deep within the Mayon Volcano means that there is already an ongoing eruption but not an explosive one. However, there is still a risk of such an eruption in the coming weeks, so evacuation is the need of the hour.
MAYON VOLCANO BULLETIN
8 June 2023
12:00 Noon#MayonVolcano https://t.co/i6RrwbtJgi pic.twitter.com/xAWXv9YzpZ— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) June 8, 2023
As the threat of an eruption looms large, several cities and towns near the Mayon Volcano have already been affected. The recommended evacuation includes areas within a 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone.
Among the cities and towns affected are Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo. The cities of Legazpi, Ligao, and Tabaco are also included in the said zone. Residents in these areas should ideally cooperate with authorities and evacuate promptly to ensure their safety.
Other two active volcanoes: Taal and Kanlaon
Apart from the Mayon Volcano, scientists at PHIVOLCS are also monitoring two other active volcanoes: Taal and Kanlaon. Taal Volcano is situated in Batangas province which is just 80 km from the nation’s capital city Manila.
Sulfur dioxide emissions have risen in Taal in recent hours. While the Alert Level remains at level one for now, the toxic gasses have affected nearby residents and caused respiratory problems. Taal erupted in 2020 which led to the evacuation of thousands and ash-covered areas in the Philippine capital.
Another volcano in the Philippines, Mount Kanlaon is on Alert Level 1. It is located in the center of the archipelago on the island of Negros. In the past 24 hours, Kanlaon has also shown an increase in seismic activity.
Know @phivolcs_dost's Volcanic Alert Levels for Mayon Volcano. #SafeandSmart pic.twitter.com/D3Tj1QfNKF
— Smart Newsroom (@SmartNewsroom) June 8, 2023
The simultaneous volcanic activity of Mayon, Taal, and Kanlaon has raised concerns. However, Phivolcs has stated that there is no established connection between the three events. The Philippines is home to a total of 24 active volcanoes.
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