The Mayon Volcano, Philippines

                                     Mayon Volcano - April 2001. Photograph copyrighted and provided by Raymond and Victoria Sharp.
                               Mayon Volcano, Philippines
                               Location: 13.257N, 123.685E
                               Elevation: 8077.43 ft (2462 m)
July 30, 2001
On 26 July, a strong eruption occurred at the Mayon volcano. Lava fountaining and pyroclastic flows began, and the Alert Level was raised to 5. Villagers living arond the volcano were evacuated. According to the Task Force Mayon, the number evacuated may have reached 46,000 people. An ash cloud rose 10 km above the volcano. Rain mixed with ash, generated lahars that flowed along river channels. Eruptions also occurred on 27 July, and life-threatening pyroclastic flows swept mainly through the Bonga Gully and the Basud Gully to the East. Smaller pyroclastic flows ran through Miisi and Anoling Gullies in the south. The ash column from this explosion was also estimated at 10 km in height. Mayon has entered an eruptive phase and lava is flowing in the Bonga Gully.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

June 25, 2001
On 19 June, a glow appeared at Mayon's summit dome and lava began to extend down the dome, accompanied by tremor. On 20 June, the lava was 500 m below the dome. Tiltmeters also reported accelerating ground deformation towards additional inflation or swelling of the volcano edifice. On 24 June, an eruption began and an ash plume 14 km a.s.l. developed. Multiple pyroclastic flows occurred on the SE flank with moderate to heavy ashfalls to the NE. An Alert Level 5 (Hazardous Eruption in Progress) was declared. The pyroclastic flows passed through the major river channels within the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone. PHIVOLCS expects similar explosive activity in the following days.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity

May 18, 2001
On 16 May, incandescent lava fragements detached from the summit dome. Sections of the dome glowed at Intensity II as the detached lava fragments exposed the hot lava dome interior. The dome vented gas profusely and lava fragments are still being shed from the lava dome.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

May 16, 2001
On 12 May, seismographs recorded a series of explosions at the summit crater, and on 13 May, the lava dome collapsed. A small lava avalanche resulted which ran 300 m down the Bonga Gully. Incandescence was observed at the dome. On 14 May, rockfalls dominated the seismicity. The Alert Level 3 remains in effect. Lava flows and/or pyroclastic flows could be produced in the future.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

March 22, 2001
An Alert Level 3 remains in effect at the Mayon Volcano. PHIVOLCS warned that instrumental and visual observations at the Mayon Volcano suggest an eruption may occur in the coming weeks. The lava dome is growing at the summit and has overlapped the pre-existing SE rim of the summit crater. From 15-19 March, 10-37 low-frequency earthquakes were recorded daily.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

February 15, 2001
Abundant low-frequency volcanic earthquakes associated with dome growth have recently occurred at Mayon. On 12 February, seismometers detected 2 rockfalls, and the crater was emitting steam and sulfur. A slight edifice inflation was been recorded on Mayon's N flank.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity

February 9, 2001
On 1 February, Philippine officials recommended that residents within the 6 km radius Permanent Danger Zone evacuate the area. They also warned residents just outside the zone to be alert for potential hazardous volcanic flows. During the week of 31 January-6 February, numerous shallow earthquakes, high S02 emission rates, and sustained inflation were recorded and are associated with the growing summit lava dome. The volcano remains at Alert Level 3 (on a scale of 0-5).
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Instituion's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

January 31, 2001
The Mayon volcano continues to be in a high state of unrest. Five ash ejections occurred on 28 January and coincided with earthquakes that originated beneath the lava dome. Two more ash ejections were observed on 29 January. The ash ash plumes rose up to 500 meters above the crater. The lava dome is highly active, and tilt measurements support observations of lava dome growth. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) readings indicate that magma is very close to the crater.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

January 29, 2001
According to PHIVOLCS, activity at the Mayon volcano has increased during the past week. On 25 January, the Alert level was raised to 3. An Alert Level 3 means that there is an increased tendency towards eruption. Magmatic outbursts are possible within the coming weeks. On 10 January, an active lava dome was confirmed. Monitoring networks have reported numerous volcanic earthquakes, continued swelling of the edifice, and very high gas outputs from the summit crater.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

January 16, 2001
On 9 January, PHIVOLCS reported that activity at the Mayon Volcano was rapidly progressing beyond the usual background conditions. Lava dome growth was occurring at the volcano's summit that coincided with a slight ground tilt. Volcanic gases were released, and there was a significant increase in earthquake occurrences. These events are likely related to ascent of magma beneath the crater. PHILVOLCS issued an Alert Level 2 for the volcano and maintained the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Intitution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

August 4, 2000
On 30 July, the Mayon Volcano spewed ash from its crater, but according to PHIVOLCS it was not an eruption. Groundwater or rain was reported to have come in contact with hot volcanic matter creating the release of ash. However, a warning was issued regarding the possibility of mudslides.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

March 16, 2000
On 11 March, water came into contact with the still-hot lava at the summit and an ash column developed that rose 1 km over the Mayon Volcano. The ash column drifted to the northwest. A minor pyroclastic flow occurred down the Bonga Gulley (SE flank). The volcano's SO2 levels are declining. Deflation of the cone continues and with only moderate seismic levels. The Mayon Volcano appears to be gradually returning to quiet conditions. However, the parameters are still above normal repose levels, and the Alert Level 4 remains in effect. A significant volume of pyroclastic deposits are still susceptible to erosion and secondary pyroclastic flows, lahars or debris flows still may occur.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

March 7, 2000
On 7 March, a burst of ash darkened the sky over many Philippine towns. According to PHIVOLCS, a large lava deposit collapsed near the crater and the high pressure volcanic gases created ash clouds. The pyroclastic flows moved 3 1/2 miles down the volcanic slopes in less than 10 minutes. Rains have added to the instability of the debris on the slopes of the volcano.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

March 2, 2000
The Legazpi Airport remains closed, as volcanic ash is a hazard to aircraft engines. Philippine officials are warning residents near the Mayon Volcano to prepare for an immediate evacuation if the ongoing rain loosens volcanic debris. A large amount of debris is perched on the mountain's slopes. If the rain continues, deadly slides could occur. PHIVOLCS reported the possibility of further fierce eruptions in the coming weeks. Occurrence of pycroclastic flows may continue and it is expected to sweep down along the well-incised gullies and channels especially the Bonga Gully. Severe ashfall was felt in the SW sector of the volcano. Field surveys will be conducted to assess ashfall impact and map out the extent of runout distance of the most recent lava flow and pyroclastic flow deposits.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity and Discovery Online.

March 1, 2000
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the eruption activity at the Mayon Volcano is ongoing. Today's eruption was producing rocks as big as houses and cars. The most recent activity has increased the number of evacuees in the Albay Province to more than 83,000. Areas near the volcano were without power after the ash shorted out insulators on high-voltage lines. On 28 February, the volcano sent a column of ash and molten rocks 7 miles into the sky. Lightning and rumblings accompanied the explosions. Official from PHIVOLCS reported that the volcano had also emitted pyroclastic flows. Disaster officials expressed fear that more people could be threatened by ash and mudflows should the heavy rains continue.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity and Discovery Online.

February 28, 2000
On 28 February, the Mayon Volcano had two powerful eruptions. On 24 February, the volcano erupted 14 times throughout the day. Rock and ash exploded into the sky, and lava raced down the slope at 50 mph. The alert level has been raised to the maximum level of five. At least 50,000 people have been evacuated to emergency centers. Magma is continuing to push its way up into the crater. Boulders as large as cars were being shot 1,640 feet into the sky. Officials have stressed that the eruption may continue for two or three months. Updates and general information on the Mayon Volcano can be found at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Web site.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity and Discovery Online.

February 25, 2000
On 24 February, the Mayon Volcano erupted and sent superheated ash into the air. The ash rained as far as seven miles away. Lava with temperatures that reached well above 1,000 degrees cascaded 3 1/2 miles down the volcano's slopes. The eruption was accompanied by loud rumblings. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said fourteen explosions were recorded by late afternoon. The strongest sent ash 4 1/2 miles into the air and darkened the sky in some villages. The area is vulnerable to lava, rock falls, and pyroclastic flows. Authorities canceled all flights to Legazpi. Officials warned that a more violent explosion could occur at any time. The magma is still rising to the dome, and the volcanic activity could continue for some time.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

February 23, 2000
On 21 February, a wall of the Mayon crater collapsed and sent chunks of volcanic rock crashing down the side of the volcano. Brown ash spewed 1,300 feet into the air. More than 5,000 people remain on the slopes and are reluctant to leave their farms.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

February 22, 2000
A 6-kilometer-radius around the crater of the Mayon Volcano has been declared a "no man's land." All residents in this area have been ordered to evacuate. Fresh magma is slowly but steadily ascending in Mayon's plumbing system. An increase in S02 emissions and volcanic earthquakes indicate the possibility of a new eruption. A lava pile on the summit has been observed since 12 February.
This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

February 16, 2000
On 15 February, scientists at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a level three alert level for the Mayon Volcano. Earth tremors and a significant drop in the sulfuric gas emmisions were recorded. There are indications that fresh magma is blocking the volcano's crater. Residents who live within four miles of the crater have been ordered to evacuate.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

January 6, 2000
On 5 January, the Mayon Volcano erupted and produced a steam and ash plume four miles into the air. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned residents to stay away from the four-mile danger zone around the volcano. No evacuations are ordered at this time.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online and Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity
Click here, to view photos of the Mayon Volcano.
For further information on the Mayon Volcano, visit the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Web site.

September 23, 1999
On 22 September, the Mayon Volcano threw rocks and ash four miles (six km) into the sky for approximately four minutes. Burning rocks ignited brush fires in a gully on volcano's eastern slope. According to seismologists, no major eruption is expected. Philippine disaster officials advised people living within a four mile radius of the Mayon Volcano to evacuate until the current activity ends. Approximately 2,000 villagers fled their homes.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online and Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

July 6, 1999
Philippine disaster officials are prepared to evacuate the population (estimated at 42,000) around the Mayon Volcano. Lava is reported to be moving within the magma chambers.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

June 22, 1999
On 22 June 1999, the Mayon Volcano sent smoke and ash four miles (seven km) into the air. Government officials have urged people living within a radius of four miles around the summit to evacuate. At this time, no earthquakes or lava flows have been reported.
This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

June 1, 1999

On June 1, 1999, the edges of Mayon's crater began to glow, and there was an increase in the output of sulfur-dioxide. Disaster officials have ordered evacuations in the area near the volcano.
 
 
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