Volcanic activity increased at Mayon, with a lava dome collapse occurring on 13 May. On 12 May seismographs detected a series of explosions at Mayon's summit crater. The following day the SE-facing portion of the lava dome partially collapsed, leaving a V-shaped opening in the dome. The collapse produced small lava avalanches that reached a maximum runout distance of 300 m down the Bonga Gully. After the collapse, incandescence was observed at the dome and lava fragments fell into the gully. Seismic activity indicated frequent earthquakes, tremor, and explosions. On 14 May rockfalls dominated the seismicity. On 15 May there was a lull in activity, with no rockfalls or lava avalanches occurring. Alert Level 3 remained in effect, prohibiting entry within the 6-km-radius permanent danger zone. PHIVOLCS warned that lava flows and/or pyroclastic flows could be produced in the future and residents just outside of the permanent danger zone should be prepared to evacuate at any time.

Geological Summary. Symmetrical Mayon, which rises above the Albay Gulf NW of Legazpi City, is the most active volcano of the Philippines. The steep upper slopes are capped by a small summit crater. Recorded eruptions since 1616 CE range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often damaged populated lowland areas. A violent eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns.

Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press