Repeated lava-collapse pyroclastic flows continue at Mayon volcano, Philippines
Mayon volcano remained under Alert Level 3 on Friday, May 8, 2026, with PHIVOLCS reporting lava flows in three gullies, elevated sulfur dioxide emissions, volcanic earthquakes, and repeated lava-collapse pyroclastic flow activity. Today’s observations follow a large eruption sequence on May 2, when collapse-generated pyroclastic flows traveled up to 5 km (3.1 miles), generating widespread ashfall across parts of Albay Province and prompting evacuations affecting thousands of residents.
Mayon volcano, Philippines on May 8, 2026. Credit: Caloy G Baldo
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said lava flows remained active along Mayon volcano’s southern and southwestern slopes during the 24-hour monitoring period ending 00:00 LT on Friday, May 8. Lava flows extended about 3.8 km (2.4 miles) along Basud Gully, 3.2 km (2 miles) along Bonga Gully, and 1.6 km (1 mile) along Mi-isi Gully, coupled with minor Strombolian activity.
PHIVOLCS recorded 30 volcanic earthquakes during the period, including 15 volcanic tremors lasting 4 to 35 minutes, 290 rockfall events, and 3 pyroclastic density current signals. Crater glow remained visible to the naked eye, while the summit plume was obscured by weather conditions.
Sulfur dioxide flux reached 2 272 tonnes/day on Thursday, May 7, while ground deformation monitoring showed short-term deflation of the volcanic edifice and short-term inflation on the northeastern flank. PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said yesterday’s pyroclastic flows reached about 2 km (1.2 miles).
The latest activity follows a large eruption on May 2, when accumulated lava material on the upper slopes collapsed and sent pyroclastic flows approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) downslope. The event generated heavy ash emissions and ashfall across parts of Albay Province.
Philippine disaster officials said the eruption affected nearly 200 000 residents across 124 barangays. More than 5 400 people were displaced into evacuation shelters, while ashfall affected parts of Guinobatan, Camalig, Ligao, and nearby western Albay municipalities.
No deaths or injuries were reported, although ashfall damaged agricultural areas and killed livestock.
PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3 — intensified unrest or magmatic unrest, and continues to advise the public against entering the 6 km (3.7 miles) Permanent Danger Zone.
Possible hazards include rockfalls or landslides, ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, pyroclastic density currents, moderate-sized explosions, and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.
References:
1 Strong eruption at Mayon volcano generates large pyroclastic flows, heavy ashfall in Albay, Philippines – The Watchers – May 3, 2026
2 Mayon Volcano 24hr summary – PHIVOLCS – May 8, 2026
3 Mayon Volcano’s effusive eruption continues; shorter PDCs observed – PNA – May 7, 2026
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