But Phivolcs says explosive eruption cannot be ruled out

MANILA, Philippines -- Experts said there are indications that the Mayon Volcano’s eruption activities might die down.

This is after the volcano spurted out a series of lava fountains and ash explosions following a 2-hour silence Wednesday night.

Delfin Garcia of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the recent activities may be indications that Mayon’s volcanic activities might already have reached its peak.

“Pagka ganoon eh mukhang masu-sustain na lang ang activity niya at hindi na sasabog ng malakas,” he said.

The latest lava fountains from Mayon reached 500 meters, which is twice the height of previous fountains. Several explosions with ejected incandescent lava fragments were reportedly noted during night observations.

More than 20 ash explosions were recorded from 5 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The ash explosion which occurred 8:43 a.m. was reported to have reached 1.5 to 2 kilometers high.

Eighty-two low frequency volcanic quakes were also reported to have been recorded in the same period while rumbling sounds continue to be heard.

Garcia, however, said they could still not rule out the possibility of a major eruption.

“Meron kaming na-experience dati na one week mababa ang activity tapos biglang sumabog ng malakas. Kaya mahirap talagang i-predict,” he said.

He advised evacuees to stay put in their temporary shelters until further notice.

Experts were already deployed to the Guinobatan and Camalig towns to collect ash samples.

“Pag pinag-aralan to, puwedeng malaman kung luma o bago ‘yong ash deposits,” said Mabelyn Cahulogan of Phivolcs.

If the ash came from old deposits, Cahulogan said that Mayon may no longer spurt out new volcanic materials. With a report from Jenny Reyes, ABS-CBN News