Quiet lava flow noted in Mayon volcano

mayon volcano4

(Eagle News Service) — At least two volcanic quakes were recorded in Mayon Volcano in the last 24 hours after a “quiet eruption” occurred last Sunday where lava flow of about 350 meters long was recorded by volcanologists.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also noted “moderate to voluminous emission” of white steam plumes drifting northeast.

Phivolcs resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said Mayon has entered what he called “eruptive period” after the quiet lava flow Sunday morning.

Laguerta said what happened Sunday was a “quiet eruption” where lava has started to flow from Mayon’s crater.

Eagle News Albay correspondent Jorge Hallare interviewed Laguerta.  He said that Phivolcs conducted an aerial survey yesterday after Mayon Volcano emitted thick gray smoke.  That was when they noticed the lava flow in the Bonga Gully of the volcano’s southeast quadrant.

Despite the quiet lava flow occurrence Sunday, Laguerta said that Phivolcs still maintains the Mayon Volcano alert level at level three, meaning eruption which is possible within weeks.