VOLCANIC ALERTFeb 22, 2006
The Mayon volcano in Albay Tuesday spewed ash, noting an increased seismic activity in the area.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the minor ash explosion at 9:41 a.m., the ash column rising at 500 meters and drifting southwest.
Renato Solidum, PHIVOLCS director, said that ash deposits from the explosion were limited to the upper slopes.
Simultaneously, a small explosion-type earthquake shook nearby areas but its intensity was only recognizable by seismographs around the volcano.
Solidum said they expect similar ash explosions in the coming days with magma entering the summit area and releasing volcanic gases.
Before the ash explosion, the PHIVOLCS also recorded 147 low frequency volcanic earthquakes starting at 3:45 p.m. on February 20 until 5:20 a.m. yesterday.
Solidum said the recurrence of earthquakes was unusual as the normal earthquake ranges from zero to five tremors.
"These low frequency volcanic earthquakes were relatively large in amplitude compared with previous seismicity and are interpreted to be caused by the shallow movement of magma within the summit crater," he said.
The PHIVOLCS maintains the alert level-2 status at Mayon Volcano reminding the public to stay away from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone and to avoid major river channels that come from the volcano.
RELATED SEISMIC NEWS: 2 With Broken Legs after Strong Quake Rocks Bulgaria
Feb 21, 2006
Two people are with broken legs due to panic after Monday evening's strong earthquake that rocked Bulgaria. Many other people have searched medical assistance complaining of high blood pressure after the tremor.
