Mayon Volcano Phreatic Explosion 2013: Mt. Mayon Produces Ash Puff

Mayon Volcano produced a phreatic explosion and spewed a cloud of ash Tuesday morning, May 7, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

Mayon Volcano Phreatic Explosion 2013 (Photo: @tinabogs)

According to Phivolcs, the event occurred at 8:00 am and lasted for 73 seconds. The gray to brown clouds reached 500 meters above the summit and drifted west southwest, it said.

In an interview with News 5 Aksyon, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said the public should remain calm since such event is normal for active volcanoes.

Alert Level 0, defined as "no eruption in foreseeable future," remains in place.

"No volcanic earthquake was detected within the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic and gas emission parameters remain within background levels and indicate no intensification of volcanic activity," the bureau added.

Although the volcano which is renowned for its "perfect cone" is not expected to erupt soon, the institute warns the public to refrain from entering the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) because "phreatic explosions and ash puffs may occur without precursors."

Situated in the province of Albay, Mt. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines and has erupted over 49 times in recorded history.

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