Phreatic eruption, pyroclastic flows at Mayon volcano, Philippines

A phreatic eruption occurred at the Mayon volcano summit on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 08:37 UTC, lasting 169 seconds. The event generated a 1 200 m (4 000 feet) tall ash plume, rockfalls and pyroclastic flows. The volcano’s Alert Level remains at 2 and authorities are reminding the public to avoid the Permanent Danger Zone.

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 08:37 UTC (16:37 local time), the Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted in a phreatic explosion that lasted for approximately 169 seconds. The eruption was characterized by a booming sound, the occurrence of rockfall, pyroclastic density currents (PDC), and the generation of a 1 200 m (4 000 feet) tall plume that drifted southwest. This is about 3.6 km (12 000 feet) above sea level.

Following the eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reiterated the importance of not entering the 6 km (3.7 miles) Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) surrounding the volcano due to the potential hazards such as sudden steam-driven eruptions, landslides, and lahars, especially during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Mayon Volcano, known for its perfect cone shape and as the most active volcano in the Philippines, remains at Alert Level 2, indicating a moderate level of unrest.

The volcano, which rises majestically above the Albay Gulf northwest of Legazpi City, has a history of eruptions dating back to 1616 CE, ranging from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian types.

Its eruptive history is marked by cyclical activity that typically begins with basaltic eruptions, followed by andesitic lava flows that have occasionally reached populated areas, causing significant damage and fatalities. The 1814 eruption, one of its most violent, resulted in over 1 200 deaths and widespread destruction.

References:

¹ Mayon Volcano Summary – PHIVOLCS – 00:00 LT, February 5, 2024

² Mayon – Geological summary – GVP

Featured image credit: PHIVOLCS