Phivolcs raises Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday, indicating an increased likelihood of a hazardous eruption.

Phivolcs said the alert level was raised due to the increasing number and volume of rockfall events caused by repeated collapses at the volcano’s summit lava dome.

Since the alert level was raised from Level 1 to Level 2 on January 1, Phivolcs recorded a total of 346 rockfall events and four volcanic earthquakes. This compares with 599 rockfall events logged between November and December 2025.

According to the agency, the rockfall events lasted between one and five minutes and transported lava debris within one kilometer down the southern upper slopes of the volcano.

Phivolcs also reported increased summit incandescence observed on Monday, which indicated accelerated lava dome growth and the possible extrusion of new lava at the crater.

At 12:26 p.m. on Tuesday, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were observed in the Bonga Gully on the volcano’s southeastern sector. These PDCs traveled up to two kilometers from the crater, prompting heightened concern among monitoring authorities.

While sulfur dioxide emissions remain at baseline levels, Phivolcs said continuous Global Positioning System (GPS), tilt, and Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) monitoring data show persistent inflation of Mayon’s eastern and southeastern slopes.

“The overall monitoring parameters indicate that very slow extrusion of shallow degassed magma is ongoing and is incrementally increasing in rate,” Phivolcs said.

“This means that Mayon is exhibiting magmatic eruption of a summit lava dome, with increased chances of lava flows and hazardous PDCs or ‘uson’ affecting the upper to middle slopes of the volcano and of potential explosive activity within days or weeks,” it added.

Phivolcs advised residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) to evacuate immediately due to the risks posed by pyroclastic density currents, potential lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

The agency also reiterated that flying aircraft close to the volcano’s summit is strictly prohibited.

“Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised,” Phivolcs said.

In response, Albay Governor Noel Rosal ordered all city, municipal, and barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils around Mayon Volcano to shift to “highest alert and monitoring status.”

Rosal also directed the Philippine National Police–Albay Provincial Office and the Philippine Army to strictly enforce security measures around the volcano, including the prohibition of entry and all human activities inside the permanent danger zone.

Classes at all levels in schools located within the PDZ will be suspended, with alternative learning modalities to be implemented. Schools whose facilities will serve as evacuation centers are also covered by the suspension.

“The public are advised to remain alert and standby for official updates and further advisories from Phivolcs and local authorities,” Rosal said.