In brief
On 30 October 2026, Mayon Volcano in Albay province erupted, launching ash to 3,000 metres. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the volcano’s alert level to 3, citing increased risk of lava flows and pyroclastic activity, and urged residents within 6 km to evacuate.
In Albay province on the island of Luzon, the iconic Mayon Volcano flared at about 11:53 a.m. local time on Friday, sending a plume of ash 3,000 metres above its crater and triggering a six‑minute eruption that has prompted authorities to order evacuations.
According to a statement released by the PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), the event was a moderately explosive eruption that produced a dense, rapidly ascending ash plume. The plume drifted west and southwest under moderate winds, with ashfall expected to reach communities in Daraga, Guinobatan and surrounding Albay municipalities.
In response to the eruption, PHIVOLCS raised Mayon’s volcanic alert level from 2 to 3. A Level 3 alert is issued when there is a sustained increase in seismic activity and forceful ejection of steam or ash, indicating that the volcano is entering a new phase of magmatic eruption. The institute warned that this level brings an increased chance of lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls and other hazards in the immediate days to weeks.
The agency urged residents within the 6‑km Permanent Danger Zone to evacuate immediately. The danger zone surrounds the volcano’s summit and includes the dense settlement of local villagers who live in close proximity to the crater. In addition, civil aviation authorities were advised to avoid flying close to the summit to reduce the risk of aircraft encountering ashfall or sudden eruptive bursts.
The eruption’s impact was felt across northern Philippines’ Bicol region, where Mayon is known as one of the country’s most active volcanoes. The 2026 event follows a history of explosive eruptions, each of which has necessitated large‑scale evacuations and disrupted local economies. The ash fall, although expected to be light in most areas, could still pose a health risk to those without adequate protection.
While immediate ashfall is the most visible effect, PHIVOLCS stressed that the longer‑term threat of lava flows and pyroclastic activity could affect the upper to middle slopes of the volcano. Communities in the upper reaches of Albay province will be closely monitored as the alert level remains in place.
Ongoing monitoring by PHIVOLCS will track seismicity, gas emissions and ground deformation to determine how quickly the volcano may change its behaviour. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local media, official advisories, and the PHIVOLCS website, which provides real‑time updates on volcanic activity and evacuation routes.
