Increased Volcanic Activity, Persistent Unrest, and Evacuations in Albay, Philippines
One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, Mayon Volcano, is currently experiencing severe volcanic instability and continuous eruptive behavior, which has caused public safety alerts, evacuations, and emergency responses throughout Albay Province.
Volcanic Activity Right Now
Level of Alert Increased to 3
Mayon Volcano's warning status has been elevated to warning Level 3 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), indicating a higher risk of a dangerous eruption. This indicates that the volcano is actively erupting at a magmatic level; it is not yet explosive but is exhibiting potentially dangerous behavior.
At Alert Level 3:
Active lava dome growth and collapse events are indicative of volcanic disturbance. It is recognized that explosive activity could occur in a matter of days to weeks. The 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is off-limits to residents.
Collapse of Lava Domes and Pyroclastic Currents
Current observations reveal:
At the top, a fresh lava dome is forming. Hot, swift clouds of gas, ash, and rock known as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) drop into upper gullies, particularly Miisi and Bonga. These can be very harmful and are referred to locally as "uson."
Dozens of PDCs and hundreds of rockfall events have been reported by PHIVOLCS and monitoring networks in recent days, providing unmistakable proof of intense internal activity.
Crater Glow and Heat
Around the peak, crater glow (banaag), a sign of fresh molten rock and heat close to the surface, was observed by remote cameras and volcano monitoring.
Public Safety Measures and Evacuations
Required Evacuations
Communities inside and around the PDZ are required to evacuate, according to local officials, including the Albay province government and the Office of Civil Defense:
- In high-risk locations, around 3,000 residents were evacuated.
- Evacuees have been moved to safer areas and shelters run by the authorities.
Expanded Preparedness
Disaster risk reduction teams are on high alert, coordinating logistics for more evacuations if activity escalates. Entry into the PDZ is strictly prohibited for safety.
No-Fly Zone
A no-fly advisory has been issued for aircraft near the volcano due to dangerous ash clouds and airborne debris.
What This Means for People Who Live There and Nearby Towns
People living near Mayon face several volcanic hazards, including:
- Pyroclastic flows — fast, hot flows that can obliterate structures and are lethal at close range.
- Lava flows — slower but destructive.
- Rockfalls and ballistic debris from unstable domes.
- Ashfall carried by winds, which can affect air quality and health.
- Lahars (volcanic mudflows) if heavy rains mix with loose volcanic material.
Preparedness Recommendations
PHIVOLCS and disaster agencies advise:
- Strict compliance with evacuation orders.
- Avoiding all activity within the 6 km danger zone.
- Monitoring local advisories for sudden changes in activity.
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