A magmatic eruption remains possible at Mayon Volcano as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to monitor signs of moderate unrest.
In a television interview, PHIVOLCS Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division chief Maria Antonia Bornas said the volcano’s current condition shows a high likelihood of a magmatic eruption.
“Sa ngayon po ay mayroon na pong mataas na tsansa magkaroon po tayo na magmatic eruption,” Bornas said.
She explained that such an eruption may involve the extrusion of fresh lava, which could occur either as a slow lava flow or through explosive activity.
“Ibig sabihin po ay may panibago na pong lava flow o lava na maaari po ang ibuga ng volcano. Maaari po itong effusive o yung pagluwa lamang po ng lusaw na lava. O meron din po tyansa na magkaroon po tayo na explosive eruption. Katulad po ng lava fountaining o yung minor explosive eruption,” she added.
PHIVOLCS also noted a rising number of rockfall events at Mayon, with 47 recorded in a single day—levels comparable to those observed in 2023 when Alert Level 3 was raised.
“At kahapon po ay nakapangtala po tayo ng 47 rockfall events. Parang katulad lamang po ito noong 2023 na halos 50 rockfall per day po ang ating natala noong nagtaas tayo ng Alert Level 3,” Bornas said.
According to Bornas, rockfalls are a crucial indicator of lava growth at the crater.
“Ang rockfall po kasi, ito po ay isang indikasyon na meron po umuusbong na matigas na lava sa bunganga ng bulkan. So, medyo umiiri po ng matigas na lava ang bunganga ng bulkan kaya po nagkaroon po tayo ng pagguho ng bato o nanigas na lava mula po sa crater ng Mayon,” she explained.
PHIVOLCS warned that evacuations may be implemented if Alert Level 3 is declared, advising residents near Mayon Volcano to remain vigilant and prepared.