15 August  2006
8:00 A.M.

Four (4) explosion events occurred at Mayon Volcano (13.2576°N, 123.6856°E) in the past 24 hours (6AM-6AM). These explosions, although not seen due to thick rain clouds, were detected at 12:40 PM, 7:31 PM and 8:48 PM yesterday, and 3:13 AM today. Brief cloud breaks indicated fresh pyroclastic flow deposits in some upslope gullies to the east and possibly to the northeast of the summit. Explosion events reported the previous days produced these deposits.

The seismic network recorded 24 volcanic earthquakes and 330 tremor episodes. These volcanic earthquakes are indications that magma is ascending towards shallow depths beneath the volcano while the persistent tremors signify the lava outpouring and tumbling of lava fragments from the crater and upper slopes. The Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate of the volcanic plume was measured at 3,493 tonnes per day (t/d) yesterday. Although less than the previous day's reading, it still represents significant degassing activity.

The explosions, volcanic earthquakes, lava extrusion and high rated of degassing indicate a continuing high unrest at Mayon. More explosions from the crater are expected and these shall likely generate pyroclastic flows especially in the southeastern and eastern sectors of the volcano.

Alert Level 4 is still in effect, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption may occur anytime. thus, the eight (8) kilometer radius - EXTENDED DANGER ZONE (EDZ) in the southeast sector of the volcano should continue to be off-limits. At the other areas around the volcano, the EDZ is seven (7) kilometers from the summit crater. Residents of areas outside and adjacent to the EDZ are advised to be on the alert for updates regarding their status for possible evacuation in case volcanic activity intensifies.[PHIVOLCS-DOST]

• Mayon rises 2,462 m (8, 189 ft) above the Bicol Region of the Philippines and has a base circumference of 62.8km (40mi).
• It is located right in the center of the Albay Province , 460km south of Manila . The Mayon is visible from nearly all cities and towns in the Albay Province . It is also visible from neighboring provinces.
• Mayon is a stratovolcano known for its almost perfect symmetrical triangle shape. It is commonly referred to as one of the natural wonders of the world.
• The upper slopes of the Mayon are steep, reaching up to 40° in angle.
• The name Mayon is derived from the Bicolano word Magayon , which means "beautiful."
• She is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines .
• There are 49 eruptions since the first documented activity in 1616.
• The worst recorded eruption occurred on February 1, 1814. Some 1,200 people from the nearby town of Cagsawa sought refuge inside the local church, but had lost their lives, as the whole town including the church was completely destroyed by the lava. Only the  church tower remained standing.
• To this day, the Cagsawa Ruins still stand upright as an eerie reminder of the power behind Mayon's beauty.
• The Mayon has been restless since 1999, when it unexpectedly emitted a large plume of ash startling the local residents. A series of eruptions followed in 2000 and 2001. Prior to this, the last major eruption of the Mayon was in 1993, causing the death of 70 people and evacuation of 50,000 residents.