Phivolcs on alert as 18 earthquakes rock Mt. Mayon

By Cet Dematera

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is closely watching Mayon Volcano after at least 18 quakes were recorded by the agency’s monitoring instruments in the past five days, the strongest of which was felt at intensity one in Albay province.

Paul Alanis, Phivolcs resident volcanologist at its Lignon Hill Observatory in Legazpi City, said they are right now keeping a closer watch of Mayon because of sudden surge in volcanic earthquakes, indicating that magma is gradually ascending to the surface.

“These volcanic earthquakes mean that magma is ascending to the surface. But right now, it is still down deep the volcano as quakes still fluctuate. No big event yet,” Alanis told Bicol Mail.

Alanis admitted though that they have to closely watch the present behavior of Mayon, adding that it is still under alert level 1, or abnormal.

“We are also observing the other parameters to determine if Mayon’s abnormal condition is escalating,” Alanis added.

He said it is still very early to tell as to what direction Mayon is heading to as its other abnormal indicators are either still below the threshold or fluctuating.

“Yes, we observe slight inflation at Mayon’s edifice. But we do not want to make any inclusion only based on it (inflation),” Alanis added.

Again, Alanis warned people now visiting at Mayon’s footslope not to stay very long as Mayon is still under abnormal condition.