On 21 August PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Mayon to 1 (on a 0-5 scale) noting changes at the summit lava dome that was emplaced in 2018. Changes in morphology of the dome and minor extrusion estimated at about 40,000 cubic meters was detected during 6 June-20 August based on daily visual and camera monitoring data. Minor inflation, particularly on the NW and SE flanks, had been recorded since April. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 688 tonnes/day on 12 August, near baseline levels. Seismic activity was at baseline levels for most of 2022, though short-lived spikes in the number of low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were recorded on 26 May and 20 June. Based on the data PHIVOLCS stated that the dome growth was likely the result of gas pressurization at shallow depths.

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.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)