Over 50 quakes recorded amid Mayon unrest under Alert Level 3 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on May 16 that Mayon Volcano produced 51 volcanic earthquakes and other seismic activities on May 15, while remaining under Alert Level 3.

In its latest monitoring bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the volcanic earthquakes included 30 volcanic tremors that lasted from two to 45 minutes. The agency also logged 399 rockfall events and six pyroclastic density current (PDC) signals during the monitoring period.

The agency said lava continued to flow from the crater through the Basud, Bonga, and Mi-isi gullies, reaching approximately 3.8 kilometers, 3.2 kilometers, and 1.6 kilometers, respectively.

PHIVOLCS also observed episodic minor strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining. A crater glow remained visible to the naked eye, while moderate plumes rose from the crater and drifted southwestward.

Meanwhile, the recorded sulfur dioxide emissions by the volcano were at 1,345 tons.

The Mayon Volcano is still on Alert Level 3, which denotes magmatic instability and the potential for dangerous eruptions. The six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is still off-limits, authorities reaffirmed.

Due to the potential for unexpected explosive activity and the risks associated with ash emissions, PHIVOLCS also warned against flying aircraft close to the volcano.

During times of heavy and prolonged rains, the agency cautioned locals living close to the volcano to be on the lookout for potential hazards like rockfalls, ballistic pieces, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, moderate-sized explosions, and lahars. 

Local disaster officials continue to monitor conditions around Mayon Volcano as seismic and eruptive activities persist in the area.