Philippines' Mayon Volcano Shoots Out Lava Fountains, Violent Eruption Imminent

Mayon volcano experienced a second explosion on the morning of Jan. 24, 2018, sending out volcanic ash plumes and lava fountains.

Between yesterday morning and this morning (Jan. 24), the Mayon volcano has launched five intense lava fountains from the summit crater, with these events lasting from 7 minutes to an hour and 24 minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The fountains shot up 1,640 to 2,000 feet (500 to 600 meters) above the crater and generated ash plumes that were up to 3 miles (3 to 5 kilometers) high. Alert Level 4 remains in effect over the volcano. "The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering the eight (8) kilometer-radius [5 miles] danger zone, and to be additionally vigilant against pyroclastic density currents, lahars [fast-moving volcanic flows] and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft."

Explosions shook the Mayon volcano, while fountains of lava spewed from its summit today (Jan. 22), causing the Philippines government to raise the hazard level from 3 to 4, indicating a violent eruption is imminent.

"Because of this, the Danger Zone is extended to an 8-kilometer [5 miles] radius from the summit vent. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering this danger zone," the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said in a statement. "Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ash from eruptions can be hazardous to aircraft."

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