Mayon Volcano erupts, prompting evacuations and Level 3 alert
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · May 3
Mayon Volcano erupts, prompting evacuations and Level 3 alert
13 articles · Updated · DW (English) · May 3
Phivolcs said 32 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in 24 hours, with lava flows stretching several kilometres and a 6km danger zone enforced around the crater.
About 52 villages near the volcano, around 330km southeast of Manila, have been affected by ashfall since Saturday, while authorities warned of rockfalls, avalanches and moderate explosions.
Mayon, the Philippines' most active volcano, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire; its deadliest eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people, and another in 1993 killed 79.
As seismic activity hits a new high, is Mayon building towards a far more catastrophic eruption?
How does the Philippines warn tourists when its most famous landmark becomes a deadly, active threat?
Beyond endless evacuations, what is the permanent solution for communities living in Mayon's shadow?
Mayon Volcano Eruption May 2026: Persistent Lava Flows, Pyroclastic Density Currents, and Evacuation of 5,000 Residents
Overview
Since January 6, 2026, Mayon Volcano has been erupting with continuous lava flows feeding three major gullies and daily Strombolian activity causing rockfalls and ash plumes. On May 2, intense pyroclastic density currents occurred due to lava collapses, leading to widespread ashfall that disrupted towns like Camalig and posed health risks. The persistent lava effusion keeps the summit unstable, maintaining threats of further collapses and lahars, especially with heavy rainfall. These hazards have prompted the evacuation of around 5,000 residents and the maintenance of Alert Level 3. Ongoing magma replenishment beneath the volcano drives this sustained activity, which is expected to continue for weeks to months, requiring vigilant monitoring and community preparedness.