MANILA, Philippines — Mayon Volcano in Albay continues to show elevated volcanic unrest, with authorities keeping the alert level at Alert Level 3 as the volcano records frequent rockfalls and pyroclastic flows over the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.
In its latest monitoring report, PHIVOLCS recorded 162 rockfall events and 50 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) within a single day. These fast‑moving mixtures of hot gas, ash and rock fragments are hazardous and indicate ongoing magmatic activity beneath the volcano’s summit. A visible crater glow was also observed, suggesting heat and lava accumulation near the top.
Alert Level 3 signals an increased tendency toward hazardous eruption, with the possibility of lava flows, pyroclastic flows and other volcanic hazards such as rockfalls or landslides. Under this status, PHIVOLCS strictly prohibits entry into the six‑kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano’s crater and warns residents and tourists against unnecessary travel near the slopes.
Local government units have carried out precautionary evacuations of residents living within and near the danger zone, moving families to safer areas as they prepare for possible escalation. Evacuation centers have been activated, and disaster response teams are on standby to assist affected communities.
Officials continue to remind the public to stay informed through official PHIVOLCS advisories and to follow safety protocols, especially since volcanic conditions can change rapidly. Emergency agencies are coordinating preparedness measures in case activity intensifies further.