Ashfall from Mayon volcano forces evacuation of more than 300 families in Albay, Philippines
More than 300 families were evacuated in Albay province, Philippines, after ashfall from Mayon volcano affected 87 villages across three towns over the weekend following a lava collapse on May 2, 2026. Officials reported no deaths or injuries, but ash reduced road visibility, damaged vegetable farms, and killed livestock in Camalig.
Mayon volcano on May 3, 2026, after a lava-collapse event produced pyroclastic density currents and ashfall across parts of Albay province, Philippines. Credit: Municipality of Camalig, Albay - Public Information Office
Ashfall spread across parts of Albay after a lava deposit collapse on Mayon’s southwestern slope before nightfall on Saturday, May 2, according to Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The collapse generated a 4 km (2.5 miles) long pyroclastic flow of hot rocks, ash, and gas.
The ash cloud affected 87 villages in three towns, disrupting transport as visibility dropped sharply on major roads. Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo said ashfall reduced visibility to zero on sections of the national road, prompting advisories for motorists and residents.
More than 300 families were evacuated from ash-affected communities after thick ashfall reduced road visibility, covered homes and farms, and created unsafe conditions in areas exposed to continued ashfall from the May 2 lava-collapse event. Officials reported no deaths or injuries as of Monday, May 4.
Ashfall accumulated across agricultural areas in Camalig, coating vegetable farms and damaging crops exposed to the fallout.
Local officials said ash settled on plant surfaces under its own weight, affecting production and requiring clearing before fields could be reused. Four water buffaloes and one cow died in ash-affected areas, according to municipal authorities.
Earlier field reports identified 52 barangays affected by thick ashfall across Guinobatan, Camalig, and Ligao City, including 18 in Guinobatan, 17 in Camalig, and 17 in Ligao City. Authorities distributed face masks, issued health advisories, and instructed motorists to use headlights in ash-covered areas.
Mayon remained under Alert Level 3, which has been in place since January, during a phase of magmatic unrest marked by lava-dome growth, rockfalls, and intermittent pyroclastic density currents.
“Mayon Volcano is under Alert Level 3… with increased chances of lava flows and hazardous Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) or ‘uson’,” Baldo said in a live update, citing DOST-PHIVOLCS. Hazard zones, including the 6 km (3.7 miles) Permanent Danger Zone, remained restricted due to the risk of further pyroclastic flows, rockfalls, and sudden explosive activity.
Mayon rises 2 462 m (8 077 feet) above sea level and is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Bacolcol said conditions were calm again on Monday, but the hazard remained due to continued instability.
References:
1 More than 300 families evacuate in Philippines due to ashfall from volcano – Associated Press – May 4, 2026
2 Strong eruption at Mayon volcano generates large pyroclastic flows, heavy ashfall in Albay, Philippines – The Watchers – May 3, 2026
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.