Evacuations underway after Mayon volcano’s dome collapse and pyroclastic flows, Philippines
Nearly 3 000 residents have been evacuated from communities around Mayon volcano in Albay Province, Philippines, after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert status to Level 3 on January 6, 2026. The evacuation follows intensified dome collapse events, pyroclastic density currents, and ongoing effusive lava extrusion at the summit.
Night view of eruption at Mayon volcano, Philippines on January 8, 2026. Credit: afarTV
Authorities in Albay Province ordered the evacuation of 2 800 residents from 729 households within the 6 km (3.7 miles) Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) surrounding Mayon volcano after PHIVOLCS raised the alert status to Level 3 at 13:20 LT (05:20 UTC) on January 6.
Another 600 residents living just outside the PDZ voluntarily moved to government shelters, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office.
The decision to elevate the alert level followed intensified volcanic activity marked by partial dome collapse, generation of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) extending up to 2 km (1.2 miles) from the crater, and continuous slow lava extrusion. PHIVOLCS recorded 346 rockfall events and four volcanic earthquakes between January 1 and 6, accompanied by nighttime incandescence visible from nearby communities.
Ground deformation data from continuous GPS, electronic tilt, and EDM measurements indicate ongoing inflation along the eastern and southeastern slopes, confirming the slow ascent of shallow magma. PHIVOLCS described the activity as an effusive magmatic eruption — a quiet but sustained release of lava building the summit dome.
See activity at Mayon volcano in real-time:
Under Alert Level 3, residents are prohibited from entering the 6 km PDZ due to potential hazards from rockfalls, PDCs, and lava flows. Authorities warned that further escalation to Alert Level 4 would indicate increased potential for explosive eruptions within days or weeks, while Alert Level 5 would signify a major eruption in progress.
Troops, police, and local disaster response units assisted in the relocation process, setting up temporary shelters and distributing essential supplies. Despite long-standing prohibitions, many families have continued to live or farm within the PDZ, where fertile volcanic soil and quarrying opportunities provide critical income.
Residents along southern drainages are advised to remain alert for possible lahars during rainfall events.
Mayon volcano, with an elevation of 2 462 m (8 077 feet), is one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, with 54 recorded eruptions since 1616. Its symmetrical cone has made it both a major hazard and a prominent natural landmark in the Bicol region.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.