LIVE UPDATES: Mayon Volcano

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COMPOSITE IMAGE BY ED LUSTAN FROM DARAGA PIO, INQ FILE PHOTOS

Phivolcs records higher rock fall, pyroclastic flow in Mayon Volcano

October 25, 2023 – 9:14 AM

FILE PHOTO: Continuous lava emitted by Mayon Volcano at the Bonga gully is visible in this photo taken on Sept. 24 at Barangay Bonga in Legazpi City. —JOHN MICHAEL L. MANJARES/CONTRIBUTOR

MANILA, Philippines — The state seismologists bureau reported “frequent incandescent rockfall and numerous pyroclastic density current (PDC) events” in the Mayon volcano’s Miisi and Bonga Gullies.

These were results of “increased lava effusion” from the volcano’s summit crater, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in a post on social media platform “X” on Tuesday night.

October 23, 2023 – 10:10 AM

FILE PHOTO: Villages in areas identified as high-risk for lahar from Mayon Volcano are advised to be ready, especially during the typhoon season, as heavy and continuous rains may generate lahar flows along significant channels. This image of Mayon was taken from Barangay Mabinit in Legazpi City on July 21, 2023. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

MANILA, Philippines —The state seismologist agency on Monday said that a slight increase in volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions has been recorded at Mayon volcano.

In a bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Mayon Volcano Network noted that the volcano emitted an average of 935 metric tons of SO2 on October 22, which is a slight increase from the 727 metric tons of SO2 released on October 21.

October 7, 2023 – 5:06 AM

DANGEROUS FLOW Continuous lava emitted by Mayon Volcano at the Bonga gully is visible in this photo taken on Sept. 24 at Barangay Bonga in Legazpi City. —JOHN MICHAEL L. MANJARES/CONTRIBUTOR

LEGAZPI CITY—More than 200 families must remain at evacuation centers in Camalig town of Albay province because their homes still face the threat of lava flow from Mayon Volcano in spite of its “decreasing signs of restiveness,” local officials said on Friday.

Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin  Baldo Jr. had allowed the residents of the villages of Quirangay, Tumpa and Sua to return home by Saturday but advised 262 families (1,035 individuals) in Barangay Anoling to stay put in their shelter.

October 5, 2023 – 6:47 PM

FILE PHOTO: Villages in areas identified as high-risk for lahar from Mayon Volcano are advised to be ready, especially during the typhoon season as heavy and continuous rains may generate lahar flows along major channels. This image of Mayon was taken from Barangay Mabinit in Legazpi City on July 21, 2023. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman ordered on Thursday the decampment of the remaining families who were evacuated from their homes to temporary shelters due to unrest of the Mayon Volcano since June.

In an advisory, Lagman said families were allowed to go home due to the “decreasing signs of restiveness” based on the monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo).

October 1, 2023 – 05:15 AM

Albay’s flora, fauna cling to life amid Mayon fury. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

LEGAZPI CITY — Lifting his gaze and taking a deep breath, Antonio Martillana’s weariness is unmistakable.

From afar, Mt. Mayon looms large over Barangay Budiao, where the 61-year-old Martillana and his family live. The village, located at the foot of Mayon, teems with flora and fauna, both rare and endemic, that are also found on the slopes of the active volcano. But in the past few months, the volcano has been spewing harmful materials from its crater, threatening plants and animals within this protected area in Albay province.

September 20, 2023 – 12:32 PM

Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — As Mayon Volcano continues to exhibit volcanic unrest, the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday issued reminders to the public on what to do during an ash fall caused by a volcanic eruption.

Based on the volcano bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued Wednesday, Sept. 20, Mayon Volcano remains on Alert Level 3, signifying a “relatively high level of unrest.”

September 8, 2023 – 5:02 AM

FOOD SUPPLY Gabi (taro) leaves are sun dried at an evacuation center in Barangay San Andres in Sto. Domingo, Albay, in this photo taken in July. Residents fleeing from the unrest of Mayon Volcano harvest gabi, the main ingredient in the local dish “laing” or “pinangat,” to augment their food supply while they are in temporary shelters. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

LEGAZPI CITY—More than 5,000 people, who took shelter in makeshift huts in Sto. Domingo, Albay, after they were forced to leave their communities in June due to Mayon Volcano’s unrest, would be sent home on Friday now that the possibility of an explosive eruption had been assessed to be “very low.”

But Sto. Domingo Mayor Joseling Aguas Jr. said 1,588 families in the villages of Lidong, Fidel Surtida, Sta. Misericordia and San Fernando, were still advised to refrain from entering the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone due to the threats of ashfall, lava flow and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs or ash and debris flow) along the slopes of the volcano.

September 7, 2023 – 9:39 AM

FILE PHOTO: Villages in areas identified as high-risk for lahar from Mayon Volcano are advised to be ready, especially during the typhoon season, as heavy and continuous rains may generate lahar flows along major channels. This image of Mayon was taken from Barangay Mabinit in Legazpi City on July 21, 2023. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 185 rockfall events and 18 volcanic earthquakes in Mayon Volcano over the past 24 hours.

Two pyroclastic density currents (PDC) were also reported, the agency added.

August 28, 2023 – 4:40 AM

END OF ORDEAL Residents of Tandarora village in Guinobatan, Albay, on Saturday leave the evacuation center, where they lived since June 8 after Mayon Volcano was placed under alert level 3 status. —MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN

GUINOBATAN, ALBAY—After two and a half months of staying at the evacuation center, more than 300 families were sent home by the municipal government here on Saturday despite the alert level 3 status still prevailing over Mayon Volcano.

Guinobatan Mayor Paul Chino Garcia told the Inquirer in an interview on Saturday that after careful review and with the recommendation of the Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office, they decided that the 353 families or 1,194 individuals staying in the evacuation center can now return home.

August 17, 2023 – 4:46 PM

RICE FOR EVACUEES. Representatives of the Japanese government turn over 300 metric tons of milled rice to the provincial government of Albay on Thursday, Aug. 17, to support the needs of around 6,022 families affect by the abnormal activities of Mayon Volcano. PHOTO BY MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN INQ

CAMALIG, ALBAY —The Japanese government, through its embassy in the country, donated 300 metric tons or 10,000 bags of milled rice to evacuees affected by the abnormal activities of Mayon Volcano.

Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke, Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (Apterr) Secretary General Manager Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, and Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries representative Akinori Ando handed over the bags of milled rice to Albay provincial officials at Negosyo Auditorium-Albay Farmers Bounty Village on Thursday, Aug. 17.

August 13, 2023 – 9:31 AM

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday said it monitored a big increase in Mayon Volcano’s earthquakes during the past day.

In a bulletin, Phivolcs said it recorded 221 volcanic earthquakes from 5 a.m., August 12, to 5 a.m., August 13. The agency’s monitoring a day before only logged 42 volcanic earthquakes.

The 221 volcanic earthquakes included 111 tremors, which altogether lasted for 28 minutes, Phivolcs also said, describing that volcanic earthquakes are isolated events that occur separately from each other while volcanic tremors are continuous vibrations.

August 12, 2023 – 9:32 AM

MANILA, Philippines – State volcanologists said more than 200 rockfall events and seven pyroclastic density currents were recorded in Mayon Volcano over the past 24 hour monitoring period.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in its Friday morning update, said that from 5 a.m. on Friday (August 11) to 5 a.m. on Saturday (August 12), a total of 201 rockfall events and seven pyroclastic density currents were detected by the Mayon Volcano Network.

August 6, 2023 – 9:37 AM

Mayon Volcano (MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday recorded a decrease in Mayon Volcano’s earthquakes, while its rockfall events rose over the last 24 hours.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that from 248 volcanic earthquakes the day before, 185 were recorded recently, with a lava ejection that lasted for about 35 seconds, while the number of volcanic tremor events dipped from 124 to 92

August 6, 2023 – 05:08 AM

This image of Mayon was taken from Barangay Mabinit in Legazpi City on July 21, 2023. (File photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

MANILA, Philippines — While slowly creeping lava may be a sight to behold, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned that Mayon Volcano and its surroundings remain a danger zone, and people should remain very cautious.

Volcanologists on Saturday observed the slow effusion of lava from Mayon Volcano’s summit crater and recorded a total of 248 volcanic earthquakes over 24 hours.

August 5, 2023 – 10:40 AM

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists recorded 248 volcanic earthquakes and 112 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano during its latest 24-hour monitoring period.

In a bulletin issued at 8 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that from 5 a.m. on Friday (August 4) to 5 a.m. on Saturday (August 5), a total of 248 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes including 124 “tremor events” were logged by the Mayon Volcano Network.

Low-frequency quakes occur for less than a minute while tremor events last for more than a minute.

August 3, 2023 – 5:02 AM

LAHAR PATH | Villages in areas identified as high-risk for lahar from Mayon Volcano are advised to be ready, especially during the typhoon season as heavy and continuous rains may generate lahar flows along major channels. This image of Mayon was taken from Barangay Mabinit in Legazpi City on July 21, 2023. (File photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — Heavy rains that affected Albay province in the past few days caused equipment to discharge, leading to possible “data gaps,” or inaccurate record of volcanic activity on Mayon Volcano.

Paul Karson Alanis, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Legazpi, said in a private message Wednesday that from July 26 to July 30, the detection of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs, or fast-moving mixture of ash, gases, and volcanic debris) and rockfall had been affected by the powering down of the solar-powered Anoling, Camalig Observation Station (VMAN) as it has not been recharged for days.

August 2, 2023 – 9:20 AM

INCREASED ACTIVITY Mayon Volcano continuously generates pyroclastic density currents and lava flow as seen in this photo taken at 5:40 p.m. on July 10 in Daraga, Albay. —PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY DENNIS MIRABUENO

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-seven earthquakes with four ash events and 225 rockfall events were monitored in Mayon Volcano over the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Wednesday.

These activities were much lower than the 258 volcanic earthquakes and 57 ash events recorded on July 31, which lasted one minute and 17 seconds long.

July 30, 2023 – 9:45 AM

FILE PHOTO: Mayon Volcano continuously generates pyroclastic density currents and lava flow as seen in this photo taken at 5:40 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Daraga, Albay. On July 22, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says Mayon Volcano had a “short-lived lava ejection” from its summit crater – a new manifestation of its unrest. (Contributed photo by DENNIS MIRABUENO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday recorded an increase in Mayon Volcano’s earthquakes but continued decrease in its rockfall events and sulfur dioxide emission.

Based on its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said it monitored zero pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), higher volcanic earthquakes at 68, and lower rockfall events at 18 in Mayon over the last 24 hours.

July 29, 2023 – 10:54 AM

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists on Saturday marked the weakening of the lava effusion from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in its bulletin issued at 8 a.m., said from 5 a.m. on Friday (July 28) to 5 a.m. on Saturday (July 29), there has been a decline in the volcano’s lava effusion.

But Phivolcs Research Specialist Gerald Malipot told INQUIRER.net that this development does not foretell the immediate cessation of Mayon’s lava effusion.

July 28, 2023 – 9:52 PM

The Mayon volcano, known for its breathtaking beauty and occasional fiery temperament, has recently alerted residents and authorities as it continues exhibiting signs of unrest. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS/Jay Carolino and Arren Christian Ventura)

MANILA, Philippines — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over P9.7 million worth of education-related materials and hygiene kits to aid teachers and out-of-school youth affected by Mayon Volcano’s continued unrest.

In a statement issued on Friday, USAID turned over the assistance last July 27, which is expected to benefit more than 1,700 learners enrolled in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) and 100 educators in 34 barangays in cities of Legazpi and Tabaco, as well as municipalities of Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Camilig, Daraga, and Guinobatan.

July 26, 2023 – 11:51 AM

Families in Albay receive emergency kits at the distribution center set up by mining companies Filminera Resources Corp and Phil Gold Processing and Refininh Corp in Gabawan, Daraga. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Two mining companies operating the Masbate gold project site in Aroroy, Masbate, continue providing aid to residents of Albay province affected by the Mayon volcano unrest.

The two companies—Filminera Resources Corp. and Phil Gold Processing Refining Corp—said in a statement they had released P2.2 million in aid to Albay residents affected by the Mayon unrest in the form of emergency kits. Firefighting gear worth P6.8 million had also been released, the companies said.

July 23, 2023 – 9:53 AM

MANILA, Philippines — Mayon Volcano’s earthquake and rockfall events have decreased, but its sulfur dioxide emission has surged over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday.

Citing its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said it monitored five volcanic earthquakes, and 158 rockfall events in Mayon, while the pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) stayed at four.

July 22, 2023 – 9:42 AM

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observed “short-lived lava ejection” from Mayon Volcano’s top crater during its latest 24-hour monitoring.

Phivolcs Science Research Specialist James Nobora told INQUIRER.net that this is a new manifestation of the volcano’s unrest.

He also confirmed that this is the first time that Phivolcs saw a brief lava ejection from Mayon since the volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 on June 8.

July 22, 2023 – 5:04 AM

LEGAZPI CITY—Families living near the river channels around Mayon Volcano were warned anew of possible lahar flow as Tropical Depression “Egay” was expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the Bicol region and other parts of Luzon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday said heavy rainfall may generate “syn-eruption” lahar, or those that are triggered by a primary volcanic activity, along major channels with loose materials emitted by the ongoing effusive eruption of the Mayon Volcano.

July 20, 2023 – 5:02 PM

FARM TRAINING Amid a backdrop of the restive Mayon Volcano, a farmer in this photo taken on July 11 catches insects in an organic farm in Legazpi City, Albay, as part of an agriculture training
program that helps farm workers analyze rice field information like water depth, potential pests and crop appearance. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

The continuous loud rumbling noises created by the “ashing,” or ejection, of short and dark plumes of ash and the frequency of volcanic earthquakes have made residents living around Mayon Volcano anxious, triggering fears of a hazardous eruption.

Jan-Rhea Grageda, 36, said every time they would hear the rumbling, which they likened to thunder, they would go out of their houses in Barangay Salugan in Camalig town to check on the volcano from afar.

July 19, 2023 – 9:59 AM

STILL RUMBLING | Mayon Volcano continuously generates pyroclastic density currents and lava flow as seen in this photo taken at 5:40 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Daraga, Albay. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded increased activity on Monday morning due to lava dome collapse. (Contributed photo by DENNIS MIRABUENO)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday said that earthquakes in Mayon Volcano have increased further to 304 over the last 24 hours.

Based on Phivolcs’ 5 a.m. bulletin, the volcanic earthquakes in Mayon, which remains under Alert Level 3, have continued to climb from 267 on July 18 to 304 on July 19.

July 19, 2023 – 4:40 AM

SAFE SOURCE | Evacuees use clean water for cleaning and bathing provided by the response team and the local government to ensure their well-being and hygiene while staying at a temporary shelter in Barangay San Andres, Sto.Domingo town, Albay, as shown in this photo taken on July 1, 2023. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Despite the hassle, Jhenny Rose dela Cruz, 34, and her family still have to go back and forth to their home in Sto. Domingo town in Albay province to take baths and do laundry, as the water supply in evacuation centers was not enough to meet the needs of thousands of families who left their villages at the foot of the restive Mayon Volcano.

“The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) supplies water, but because there are many users and most of them are taking a bath there, the water supply gets depleted the next day,” Dela Cruz, a housewife, said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

July 18, 2023 – 8:35 AM

State seismologists on Tuesday said the Mayon Volcano has shown a continuous increase in terms of volcanic earthquakes for the past two days.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the Mayon Volcano logged 267 volcano earthquakes from 5:00 am on Monday (July 17) to 5:00 am on Tuesday (July 18).

July 17, 2023 – 5:58 PM

Evacuees are hauled off to shelters from a village in Giunobatan Albay, on June 9, 2023, a day after Phivolcs raised the Mayon Volcano alert status to level 3. (INQUIRER / MARK ALVIC ESPLANA)

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said that there are currently no active COVID-19 infections among evacuees in Albay displaced by Mayon Volcano’s restive state, while 1,624 cases of acute respiratory infections have so far been recorded.

“There are no active cases nor confirmed COVID cases reported in evacuation camps,” said DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Enrique Tayag in a press conference, citing a report from the DOH Center of Health-Bicol as of July 17.

July 17, 2023 – 8:47AM

STILL RUMBLING | Mayon Volcano continuously generates pyroclastic density currents and lava flow, as seen in this photo at 5:40 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Daraga, Albay. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded increased activity on Monday morning due to lava dome collapse. (Contributed photo by DENNIS MIRABUENO)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday said that it had recorded 184 volcanic earthquakes and 238 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano over the last 24 hours.

Based on its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, continues to display “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.”

Earlier, the agency said it recorded lower volcanic earthquakes at 38 and higher rockfall events at 262.

DSWD extends financial aid to Mayon evacuees

July 17, 2023 – 4:50AM

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (File photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)

Emergency cash transfers are being distributed to families displaced by the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

In a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Gatchalian said the cash aid of around P12,300 to some 6,000 families in evacuation centers would continue in the coming months.

Mayon Volcano’s activities drop but sulfur dioxide emission increases — Phivolcs

July 16, 2023 – 9:30AM

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday recorded a decrease in Mayon Volcano’s rockfall and pyroclastic density current (PDC) events, as well as earthquakes.

Based on its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said it monitored nine volcanic earthquakes, 270 rockfall events, and three pyroclastic density currents (PDC) in Mayon, over the last 24 hours.

Willie Revillame brings cheer to Mayon Volcano evacuees in Albay

July 15, 2023 – 12:24PM

JOY IN SHELTERS. Tv host Willie Revillame and evacuees share a laugh as the Wowowin host came for a visit in evacuation centers in Sto. Domingo and Daraga, Albay on Friday, July 14, to entertain, play games and distribute relief goods to Mayon Volcano evacuees. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TV host and actor Willie Revillame made a surprise visit in evacuation centers in Albay province on Friday (July 14) to entertain evacuees who had to temporarily leave their homes when Mayon Volcano showed signs of heightened activity last month.

During Revillame’s short visit at two evacuation centers in Sto. Domingo and Daraga towns, the evacuees participated in the game of “Hep Hep Hooray” that was made popular at the host’s now defunct noontime TV program “Wowowin.”

Ten kids got P1,000 each as consolation prize for a children’s game while adults got P2,000 each as consolation prize for participating in the game for their category.

Phivolcs warns anew: Heavy rain may trigger lahar at Mayon Volcano

July 15, 2023 – 8:52AM

CREEPING DANGER Lava and collapsed debris creep down the slopes of Mayon Volcano on July 2, 2023, as seen in this photo taken at the Legazpi Boulevard in Legazpi City, Albay. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY DENNIS MIRABUENO

State volcanologists on Saturday warned that heavy rainfall “could generate channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels” of the Mayon Volcano.

In a Laging Handa public briefing on Friday, Mayon Volcano Resident Volcanologist Dr. Paul Alanis cautioned residents near the volcano to be vigilant against the possibility of lahar.

Mayon’s 24-hour rampage: 5 volcanic earthquakes, 361 rockfalls unleashed

July 14, 2023 – 10:15AM

State seismologists on Friday said Mayon registered five volcanic earthquakes and 361 rockfall events from 5:00 a.m., July 13 to 5:00 a.m. July 14.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said in its latest bulletin that the volcano had seven pyroclastic density currents (PDC) generated by a dome and lava-front collapse during their last 24-hour monitoring.

Mayon still restless: Phivolcs logs 3 earthquakes, 286 rockfalls

July 13, 2023 – 1:12PM

LIVING WITH A RESTIVE VOLCANO Life goes on for many Albayanos, like this family and its friends who find time to hold a birthday celebration at a resort in Daraga town on June 23, 2023, against the backdrop of a lava-spewing Mayon Volcano. —PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ROSEMARIE LOMA

Mayon’s restiveness persisted in the past 24 hours, state volcanologists said, noting that three volcanic earthquakes, 286 rockfall events, and ten pyroclastic density current events were recorded in the volcano during the last monitoring period.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in its bulletin issued on Thursday, said from 5 a.m. on July 12 to 5 a.m. on July 13, that the volcano’s effusion of lava also continued.

Mayon’s volume of sulfur dioxide emission up, quakes more frequent

July 12, 2023 – 9:33AM

STILL RUMBLING Mayon volcano continuously generates pyroclastic density currents and lava flow as seen in this photo taken at 5:40 p.m. on Monday in Daraga, Albay. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded increased activity on Monday morning due to lava dome collapse. (Photo contributed DENNIS MIRABUENO)

The sulfur dioxide emission of Mayon has increased over the last 24 hours.

This is the report from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The agency cited its Wednesday bulletin at 5 a.m. that showed Mayon emitted 1,128 tons of sulfur dioxide on July 11 or Tuesday.

Manila Water Foundation gets support for communities affected by Mayon

July 11, 2023 – 10:03PM

Manila Water Foundation along with its valued partners, recently went to Albay to hand over gallons of purified drinking water, bar soaps, laundry detergents, shampoo, and other hygiene items among others, to support the health and well-being of families displaced due to the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

The effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano has placed the community under Alert Level 3, affecting almost 6,000 families or more than 20,000 individuals. Water, food supply and hygiene products are crucial in evacuation centers around the affected municipalities of Albay.

Manila Water Foundation, with its valued partners, heated up support through its program, Agapay : WASH in Emergencies. On June 30, Manila Water Foundation along with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and the League of Corporate Foundations’ (LCF) Committee on Disaster Resilience members PhilSeven Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines handed over donations for the displaced families.

Increased pyroclastic flow noted on Mayon

July 11, 2023 – 4:30AM

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded a sharp rise in the frequency of fast-moving volcanic flows at Mayon Volcano in Albay province on Monday.

In a volcano advisory issued on Monday, Phivolcs reported a total of 33 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), from the four recorded on Saturday.

PDCs, which are dangerous flows of ash, rocks, and gases, traveled from one to four minutes down a 3.3-kilometer slope from the summit crater, Phivolcs said.

Daraga program aims to relieve stress of Mayon evacuees

July 10, 2023 – 10:14PM

Lava, rocks, and other debris creep down the slopes of Mayon Volcano on July 2, 2023, as seen in this photo taken at Legazpi Boulevard in Legazpi City, Albay. (Contributed by DENNIS MIRABUENO)

The Daraga municipal government is implementing the Banwa Stress Reliever Program for evacuees feeling the pressure of Mayon Volcano’s increased activity.

The program, which includes free haircuts and manicures, aims to provide evacuees some diversion from the discomfort of living in evacuation centers, according to Daraga Mayor Carlywyn Baldo.

Phivolcs records uptick in volcanic earthquakes in Mayon

July 10, 2023 – 8:29 AM

FILE PHOTO: The restless giant, with its majestic yet unpredictable nature, gives residents and visitors a full view of its perfect conical shape amid clear skies in Legazpi City, Albay. Government volcanologists continue monitoring the Mayon Volcano, which has been placed under Alert Level 3 due to its increasing unrest. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Jay Carolino)

State seismologists on Monday said Mayon Volcano saw an uptick in volcanic earthquakes that totaled 109 in 24 hours.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the said number of volcanic tremors between 5:00 a.m. on July 9 to 5:00 a.m. on July 10.

July 9, 2023 – 9:14 AM

View of Mayon Volcano taken from Daraga, Albay. INQUIRER PHOTO/Ram Nabong

Twenty-six earthquakes, along with 303 rockfall events and three pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), were recorded in Mayon Volcano over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday.

Based on its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that the volcano continued to display “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest” and stays under Alert Level 3 due to “potential explosive activity within days or weeks.”

July 8, 2023 – 11:02 AM

Mayon is still in a “high level of unrest” one month after the volcano was placed under Alert Level 3.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said this in a bulletin released Saturday, adding that a hazardous eruption within weeks or days is still possible – hence, advising that the six-kilometer danger zone is kept uninhabited.

July 7, 2023 – 9:32AM

View of Mayon Volcano taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15, 2023. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

State volcanologists on Friday said Mayon Volcano’s restlessness continued, as it registered 79 volcanic earthquakes and 216 rockfall events in the last 24 hours.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said that Mayon discharged lava and sulfur dioxide from 5 a.m., July 6, to 5 a.m. July 7.

Seven dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents were likewise recorded in the same period, Phivolcs said.

Mayon’s sulfur dioxide emission and rockfall events increase, says Phivolcs

July 6, 2023 – 10:32AM

LIVING WITH A RESTIVE VOLCANO Life goes on for many Albayanos, like this family and its friends, who find time to hold a birthday celebration at a resort in Daraga town on June 23, 2023, against the backdrop of a lava-spewing Mayon Volcano. —PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ROSEMARIE LOMA

The sulfur dioxide emission and rockfall events in Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, have risen over the last 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said in its 5 a.m. Thursday advisory that Mayon discharged 1,621 tons of sulfur dioxide and 243 rockfalls on July 5, down from 1,170 and 232 the day before.

It reported that no volcanic earthquakes were monitored. Dome-collapse pyroclastic density current events (PDCs) surged from five to seven.

Mayon’s sulfur emission, rockfall events decreased in last 24 hours — Phivolcs

July 5, 2023 – 8:42 AM

Mayon Volcano’s sulfur emission and rockfall events have decreased over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Wednesday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that Mayon released 1,170 tons of sulfur dioxide on July 4, lower than the 1,558 tons logged the day before.

July 4, 2023 – 6:09 PM

Mayon volcano in Albay (File photo from MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN)

State seismologists have been observing an increase in volcanic earthquakes in Mayon since Monday.

The latest bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) stated, “Since 3:47 PM (PST) yesterday (03 July 2023), the Mayon Volcano Network began recording a continuous tremor-like series of weak volcanic earthquakes that steadied and increased in strength this morning and persists to the present.”

July 4, 2023 – 9:20 AM

MANILA, Philippines — Mayon Volcano belched out more sulfur dioxide during the latest 24-hour monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said Mayon registered a sulfur dioxide flux of 1,558 metric tons on average from 5:00 a.m., July 3 to 5:00 a.m., July 4 – which is bigger than the 962 metric tons of sulfur dioxide that the volcano spewed in the previous 24-hour observation period.

July 4, 2023 – 5:19 AM

CREEPING DANGER | Lava, rocks and other debris creep down the slopes of Mayon Volcano on July 2, as seen in this photo taken at Legazpi Boulevard in Legazpi City, Albay. (Photo contributed by DENNIS MIRABUENO)

As Mt. Mayon continued to display an increasing level of restiveness, the volcano on Monday spewed ash affecting two localities in Albay province, with brownish plumes created by pyroclastic density currents (PDC) reaching up to 500 meters.

The ashfall was recorded in Ligao City, which prompted students of Ligao National High School to seek cover, and also in Guinobatan town, according to local authorities.

July 3, 2023 – 3:02 PM

A total of 295 rockfall events, three volcanic earthquakes, two pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and two lava front collapse PDCs were recorded on Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The number of rockfall events and volcanic earthquakes dropped from 397 and four, respectively, monitored on July 2, while the PDCs remained at two.

July 3, 2023 – 5:21 AM

LIVING WITH A RESTIVE VOLCANO | Life goes on for many Albayanos, like this family and its friends who find time to hold a birthday celebration at a resort in Daraga town on June 23, 2023, against the backdrop of a lava-spewing Mayon Volcano. (Photo contributed by ROSEMARIE LOMA)

Restive Mayon Volcano has so far emitted an estimated 7 million cubic meters of volcanic materials that could be mobilized as lahar during heavy rainfall, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned on Sunday.

Paul Karson Alanis, Phivolcs’ resident volcanologist in this city, said the debris composed of lava, rocks and ash were more concentrated along the Bonga gully in Legazpi City, Mi-isi gully in Daraga town and Basud gully in Sto. Domingo town.

July 2, 2023 – 9:16 AM

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday reported that Mayon Volcano, which is still under Alert Level 3, had 397 rockfall events, four volcanic earthquakes, and two pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) over the last 24 hours.

The rockfall events and PDCs were more than the 254 and 17 recorded on Saturday, respectively, while the volcanic earthquake decreased significantly from the 65 logged the day before.

July 1, 2023 – 9:46 AM

VOLCANO WATCH Albay residents and visitors continue monitoring the situation on Mayon Volcano, two weeks since its alert level was raised to 3 due to its increased activity. —MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN

The very slow effusion of lava from Mayon Volcano’s summit crater has continued on its 20th day according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Senior Science Specialist Rudy Lacson Jr. confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a phone interview on Saturday.

July 1, 2023 – 12:23 AM

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda asked residents within the seven to eight kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) of the Mayon Volcano must be prepared to evacuate, as state seismologists and volcanologists have observed increased activity.

In a post on his Facebook account late Friday, Salceda shared the latest bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) which reported an increased activity within Mayon Volcano, causing ashfall over parts of Tabaco City in Albay.

June 30, 2023 – 10:50 PM

State volcanologists on Friday observed an increase in activity in Mayon Volcano’s crater, causing ashfall in parts of Tabaco City.

According to Phivolcs, four dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents or PDCs from the volcano’s summit lava dome have been recorded.

June 30, 2023 – 8:44AM

Lava flows from the crater of Mayon Volcano as seen in these photos taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

State seismologists on Friday said it recorded two volcanic earthquakes and 284 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano.

This was logged from 5:00 am of June 29 to 5:00 am of June 30, according to the latest bulletin of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission in Mayon Volcano also averaged 595 metric tons per day, while continuous voluminous degassing from its summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 2.5 kilometers.

Cyclones in July could cause lahar flow from Mayon Volcano, Salceda warns

June 29, 2023 – 10:58PM

Aside from a possible explosion, Mayon Volcano’s risks now include possible lahar flow as the state weather bureau expects several cyclones in July, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda said on Thursday.

Salceda said in a statement that historically, Albay gets a higher amount of rainfall every July at around 155.2 millimeters (mm) compared to the 112.53 mm average for the rest of the year.

Coupled with the prediction from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that three to four cyclones may enter the Philippine area of responsibility by July, evacuees might have to be moved out of areas where lahar could flow.

Mayon’s heightened unrest impacts 41,000 Bicol folk – NDRRMC

June 29, 2023 – 9:36AM

CRAMPED Residents fleeing restive Mayon Volcano stay in modular tents provided by the government and set up in the village of Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay. This photo was taken in June
13, several evacuees are seen outside their families’ tents as they try to take a breather from the heat. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

ore than 41,000 residents within the Bicol Region have been affected by Mayon’s continuous volcanic activity, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday.

According to NDRRMC’s 8 a.m. situational report, the volcano’s heightened unrest has so far affected 41,532 individuals or 10,655 families and displaced 20,181 residents from 26 barangays within the region.

Meanwhile, displaced locals were transferred to 28 designated evacuation sites within the province.

Phivolcs records decrease in Mayon Volcano’s activities

June 29, 2023 – 8:36AM

VOLCANO WATCH Albay residents and visitors continue monitoring the situation on Mayon Volcano, two weeks since its alert level was raised to 3 due to its increased activity. —MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN

State seismologists on Thursday recorded a continuous decrease in Mayon Volcano’s activities including rockfall events and sulfur dioxide flux.

Mayon Volcano saw 296 rockfall events, and it emitted sulfur dioxide flux of 595 metric tons from 5:00 am of June 28 to 5:00 am of June 29, according to the latest bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Mayon’s non-inclusion in new DOT campaign irates Salceda: You failed Albay

June 28, 2023 – 6:47PM

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda. FILE PHOTO

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda called out the Department of Tourism (DOT) for failing to include the Mayon Volcano in the country’s latest marketing campaign, adding that the agency has failed Albay residents who look forward to earning from tourism.

Salceda in a series of Facebook posts and eventually, a statement on Wednesday said he is disappointed with the decision of his friend, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, to drop Mayon Volcano from the promotional advertisement.

Phivolcs logs 372 rockfall events, 7 pyroclastic density currents in Mayon

June 28, 2023 – 09:01 AM

Lava flows from the crater of Mayon Volcano as seen in these photos taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

An earthquake along with 372 rockfall events and seven pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were monitored in Mayon Volcano over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Wednesday,

Based on its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that the volcano continued to display “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.” It stays under Alert Level 3 due to “potential explosive activity within days or weeks.”

June 27, 2023 – 11:11 PM

Residents fleeing restive Mayon Volcano are staying in modular tents provided by the government and set up in the village of Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay. In this photo taken on June 13, 2023, several evacuees are seen outside their families’ tents as they try to take a breather from the heat. (File photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co reiterated on Tuesday his call for establishing permanent evacuation centers, citing as a case in point the plight of 20,000 Albay residents who still could not return home due with Alert Level 3 still raised over areas near restive Mayon Volcano.

In a statement, Co said the residents of Malilipot town in Albay need a permanent evacuation facility to avoid problems that may crop up at makeshift evacuation centers.

June 27, 2023 – 08:26 AM

Mayon’s volcanic earthquake had further increased, now totaling 107, state seismologists said on Tuesday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the Mayon’s activity from 5:00 a.m. on June 26 to 5:00 a.m. on June 27.

June 26, 2023 – 05:43 PM

The seismic unrest due to Mayon Volcano has continued to increase as 100 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in less than 12 hours this Monday alone, state seismologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the said number of volcanic tremors between 5:00 am to 3:00 pm on Monday.

June 26, 2023 – 08:20 AM

Mayon had registered 102 volcanic earthquakes from 5 a.m., June 25, to 5 a.m., June 26, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Monday.

Phivolcs marked this as a sharp increase in volcanic quakes at Mayon since it only logged 24 volcanic tremors in the preceding 24 hours.

June 26, 2023 – 4:40AM

NIGHTLY GLOW SHOW | Children watch in amazement the lava flow and listen to the rumbling of rockfall at night that can be seen and heard from areas within the extended 7-kilometer permanent danger zone of the restive Mayon Volcano. This photo was taken in Barangay Matanag, Legazpi City, Albay, on June 22, 2023. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

While thousands of residents of Albay province were fleeing or being taken to shelters away from the danger zone of the restive Mt. Mayon, this city is seeing a rise of tourists drawn here by the volcano’s lava flow and rockfall events.

The tourists filled the city’s hotels that have a view of Mayon Volcano and brought business to the operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) that rent out rides for those daring to get as close to the volcano as possible without entering its 6-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone (PDZ).

June 25, 2023 – 9:22AM

(MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN / INQUIRER)

Twenty-four earthquakes, 257 rockfall events, and 16 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were recorded in Mayon Volcano over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that Mayon continued to display “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest,” adding that it remains under Alert Level 3 due to “potential explosive activity within days or weeks.”

June 24, 2023 – 9:36AM

Lava flows from the crater of Mayon Volcano as seen in these photos taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

Mayon’s high level of unrest persisted in the past 24 hours, said state volcanologists on Saturday, reiterating the possibility of the volcano’s hazardous eruption within weeks or days.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Mayon Volcano remains under alert level 3.

June 23, 2023 – 5:00PM

Albay evacuees receive aid from the Office of the Vice President amid Mayon Volcano’s unrest. (Photo from the Facebook Page of Vice President Sara Duterte)

Vice President Sara Duterte’s Office undertook a five-day relief operation in the province of Albay amid the Mayon Volcano’s unrest.

According to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Friday, its Disaster Operations Center (DOC) began the relief mission on June 20.

June 23, 2023 – 7:59AM

Up close look of Mayon Volcano Crater Summit in Barangay Mabinit, Legazpi City, Albay province at around 7:37 p.m., June 15, 2023, Thursday. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / INQUIRER

Mayon Volcano will remain at Alert Level 3 as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has seen no evidence to lower it.

On Friday, state volcanologists even noted that Mayon’s diffusive eruption may continue for at least three months.

June 23, 2023 – 5:14AM

CRAMPED Residents fleeing restive Mayon Volcano are staying in modular tents provided by the government and set up in the village of Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay. In this photo taken on June
13, several evacuees are seen outside their families’ tents as they try to take a breather from the heat. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol has stepped up its monitoring of Albay residents in temporary shelters to curb the spread of the viral disease after two evacuees in Daraga town tested positive for COVID-19 early this week.

Dr. Ernie Vera, DOH regional director in Bicol, said in an online interview on Thursday that they were expecting a possible increase in the number of evacuees contracting diseases because of the crowded rooms and the extreme heat while Mayon Volcano remains on alert level 3.

June 22, 2023 – 8:57AM

Lava flows from the crater of Mayon Volcano as seen in these photos taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

No earthquakes occurred in Mayon Volcano, but 299 rockfall events and eight dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were recorded over the last 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Based on its Thursday 5 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said that the volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3 due to “potential explosive activity within days or weeks,” continued to display “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.”

Rockfall events monitored the day before were also at 299, with two quakes and seven PDCs.

Air quality around Mayon still ‘good,’ says EMB

June 22, 2023 – 5:00AM

VOLCANO WATCH Albay residents and visitors continue monitoring the situation on Mayon Volcano on Tuesday, two weeks since its alert level was raised to 3 due to its increased activity. —MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN

Residents in communities around the restive Mt. Mayon in Albay province need not worry about the air quality in their areas as environment officials assured them that it is still at a “good level” despite the volcano spewing lava and gases for more than two weeks now.

In an online chat message on Wednesday, Maria Socorro Abu, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional director in Bicol, said their monitoring showed that air quality in these areas was considered “satisfactory,” noting that air pollution poses little or no risk to residents.

Aquatic lifeline: PH Navy ship desalinates seawater for Mayon evacuees

June 21, 2023 – 5:20PM

BRP Andres Bonifacio. Photo from the Philippine Navy

A Philippine Navy ship in Albay supplies clean water to Mayon Volcano evacuees using desalination equipment.

The BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), one of the Navy’s capital ships, contains a reverse osmosis desalination system.

“The said system can produce large amounts of fresh water,” the Navy said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the ship could provide 32,000 liters per day for at least 1,000 affected families.

Mayon Volcano: 2 quakes, 299 rockfalls and 7 ‘dome collapses’ recorded – Phivolcs

June 21, 2023 – 09:56 AM

Lava flows from the crater of Mayon Volcano as seen in these photos taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday said that it had recorded two volcanic earthquakes and 229 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3.

Citing its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said it monitored the volcanic earthquakes and rockfall events, along with seven dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) over the last 24 hours as the volcano continues to have “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.”

June 21, 2023 – 04:40 AM

HOME AWAY FROM HOME | Evacuees from Barangay Lidong in Sto. Domingo, Albay seek shelter in Sitio Bical, Barangay Salvacion, also in Sto.Domingo, in this photo taken on June 17, 2023. They prefer to build huts made of bamboo and nipa leaves instead of staying in modular tents or returning to their houses along the slopes of the restive Mayon Volcano despite an order to do by their local government. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

Residents who evacuated in the towns of Sto. Domingo and Guinobatan in Albay have refused to return to their houses despite being told by their town officials that those living outside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of the restive Mayon Volcano could already leave the shelters.

Some Sto. Domingo evacuees said they preferred staying at shelters and “hut city” even if they live outside the PDZ since they believe it was safer that way.

June 20, 2023 – 10:35AM

‘SLOW EFFUSION’ Flaming lava cascades from the crater as restive Mayon Volcano remains on Alert Level 3.
Photo by Mark Alvin Esplana

Mayon Volcano’s lava flow has expanded 2,500 meters (2.5 kilometers) long through its gullies, with debris from the collapse spreading 3,300 meters away from the crater, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday.

Mayon Volcano remains on Alert Level 3, said Phivolcs, indicating an imminent eruption risk within weeks or days.

June 20, 2023 – 4:30AM

COMPOSITE IMAGE: JEROME CRISTOBAL FROM INQ FILE, CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman on Monday asked officials of two towns to send home some 8,445 people, or about 44 percent of total evacuees, who were not living inside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone of the restive Mayon Volcano.

At a press briefing, Lagman said he would recommend decampment for the 1,688 families (5,473 people) in Sto. Domingo and the 377 families (2,972 people) in Guinobatan if the two local mayors failed to justify their decision to evacuate these residents living within the 7- to 8-km extended danger zone.

June 19, 2023 – 1:04PM

Heavy rainfall might impede evacuations as Mayon Volcano’s unrest continues, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) chief, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno warned Monday.

Nepomuceno said the number of evacuees could double once the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raises Mayon’s alert level to 4 or more.

Another challenge, however, is if Mayon’s turbulence coincides with rain.

Mayon’s unrest seen to last for at least three months, says Phivolcs exec

June 19, 2023 – 11:13 AM

Mayon Volcano “bleeds” on the night of June 15, 2023. Photo by Mark Alvic Esplana

Mayon Volcano’s unrest may continue for at least three months, an official of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Monday.

According to Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, the current activities in Mayon are similar to its eruption from August to November 2014.

June 19, 2023 – 08:41 AM

View of Mayon Volcano taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15, 2023. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong

State volcanologists on Monday said no volcanic earthquakes occurred in Mayon Volcano from 5:00 a.m. on June 18 to 5:00 a.m. on June 19.

It was an improvement from the previous period after three volcanic tremors had been observed from Mayon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Monday.

June 19, 2023 – 05:15 AM

‘SLOW EFFUSION’ Flaming lava can be seen cascading from the crater as restive Mayon Volcano remains on alert level 3. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday reported that Mayon Volcano continued to exhibit high levels of volcanic activity, spewing lava and triggering rockfall events.

Since Saturday, Mayon’s lava flow has increased up to 1.5 kilometers from the crater. It also recorded 274 rockfall events, three volcanic earthquakes, and 11 pyroclastic density currents.

June 19, 2023 – 04:45 AM

FUN TIME | Personnel from the Bicol Police Regional Office dance with children during their visit to an evacuation center in Barangay Mauraro, Guinobatan, Albay, on June 14. The activity is part of the police’s psychosocial intervention program for children displaced by Mayon Volcano’s unrest. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

Thousands of families living and farming within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano may have to leave their lands and homes for good if the proposal of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) materializes.

OCD chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a news forum on Saturday that the agency would propose to convert Mayon’s PDZ into a natural park, which would require resettling residents away from these areas.

June 18, 2023 – 10:15 AM

AWAY FROM DANGER ZONE – Evacuees are hauled off to shelters from a village in Giunobatan Albay, on June 9, 2023, a day after Phivolcs raised Mayon Volcano’s Alert Level to 3. (INQUIRER file photo / MARK ALVIC ESPLANA)

Almost 39,000 individuals have so far been displaced by Mayon Volcano’s unrest, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday.

According to NDRRMC’s 8 a.m. situational report, Mayon’s continuous volcanic activity has so far affected 38,979 persons or 10,123 families from 26 barangays in the Bicol region.

June 18, 2023 – 10:03 AM

Lava flows from the crater of Mayon Volcano as seen in this photo taken from Daraga, Albay on Thursday, June 15. (INQUIRER.net / Ram Nabong)

Mayon Volcano’s lava flow advanced up to 1.5 kilometers (km) from the crater, while three volcanic earthquakes and 274 rockfall events were monitored, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday.

“Very slow effusion of lava flow to maximum lengths of 1.5 km and lava collapse on Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies within 3.3km from the crater,” Phivolcs said in its 5 a.m. bulletin.

June 18, 2023 – 5:32 AM

A SHELTER OF THEIR OWN | Instead of staying in crowded evacuation sites, evacuees from Mayon’s danger zone, such as this family from Lidong village, shell out money for building huts, like this structure in Salvacion village. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

Residents who were evacuated from the danger zone around Mayon Volcano have again built a virtual “hut city” here to escape harm from a potentially hazardous eruption, preferring to wait out the situation this way rather than stay at the crowded evacuation centers set up in local schools.

Edgar Balidoy, head of the municipality’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), recalled witnessing as a young boy how families would build small nipa huts or shanties on private lots in the villages of San Andres, Salvacion and Calayucay, soon after leaving their homes in the volcano’s danger zone.

June 17, 2023 – 5:00 PM

(PHOTO BY MARK ALVIC ESPLANA)

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it is discussing the feasibility of developing a natural park or a “protected natural area” within Mayon volcano’s 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ).

OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, on Saturday, clarified that they have yet to draft a proposal, adding that they are still evaluating the situation in the area to determine whether or not the proposition is feasible.

June 17, 2023 – 10:57 AM

Up close look of Mayon Volcano Crater Summit in Barangay Mabinit, Legazpi City, Albay province at around 7:37 PM, June 15, 2023, Thursday. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / INQUIRER

The Mayon Volcano’s very slow effusion of lava and emission of sulfur dioxide continued amid its current high level of unrest, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin issued on Saturday, state volcanologists said the effusion of lava was observed from Mayon’s summit crater, feeding lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-si and Bonga gullies.

June 17, 2023 – 5:34AM

CONTINUOUS LEARNING As Mayon Volcano “bleeds” Thursday night, a teacher at Taladong Elementary School in Camalig, Albay, remains undeterred, holding a class for some evacuees earlier that day. PHOTO BY MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

More than 20,000 residents in Albay province have now been evacuated amid Mayon Volcano’s continuing unrest, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Friday.

The volcano is “currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days is possible,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its bulletin on Friday morning.

June 16, 2023 – 5:25PM

Photo courtesy of the office of Spearker romualdez

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed his appreciation on Friday for the efforts of Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando “Didi” Cabredo in establishing a “community pantry” to aid the evacuees affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

Cabredo has spearheaded the establishment of a community pantry, aptly named “Community Pantry nina Speaker and Cong Didi”, utilizing the P500,000 financial assistance received from Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre

June 16, 2023 – 12:30PM

Permanent evacuation centers are needed for the long term amid the Mayon volcano’s unrest, Office of Civil Defense (ODC) spokesperson Diego Mariano said on Friday.

Staying far away from the active volcano is one way to avoid harm, according to Mariano.

“Hanggang maari, gawa tayo ng bago nilang pwedeng paglagyan, or mga mas permanent na evacuation center na pwede lagyan temporarily pag umabot tayo sa pag-extend ng danger zone,” said Mariano during the Laging Handa public Briefing.

June 16, 2023 – 9:29AM

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday said it recorded the largest pyroclastic density current (PDC) registered since June 8 on Thursday night.

According to Phivolcs in its latest advisory, the said PDC occurred at 11:18 p.m. on Thursday and is the largest seen since June 8.

It was also among the 13 PDCs recorded from Thursday to Friday, which is higher than the three PDCs recorded from Wednesday to Thursday.

For Albay teachers, Mayon unrest won’t stop learning

June 16, 2023 – 5:04AM

GET YOUR SHARE Evacuees in the village of Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay, get their share of relief packages distributed by the Philippine Red Cross on June 13. Each family received hygiene kits, blankets and water containers. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

For weeks or even months, teachers in Camalig town will have to make do with alternative learning spaces and visit their students living in separate evacuation centers so they can continue with classes and other school activities as Albay province prepares for a possible hazardous eruption of Mayon Volcano.

Ginalyn Maravillas, a grade 2 teacher at Tumpa Elementary School in Barangay Tumpa, said when they met their students now staying at Comun Elementary School in Barangay Comun on Wednesday, they had to request some families staying there to vacate a room to accommodate them because the covered court was used for the distribution of relief items.

Mayon unrest: Bongbong Marcos urges gov’t to address non-cash needs of affected families

June 15, 2023 – 04:49 PM

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads a situation briefing on the Mayon Volcano on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Photo grabbed from RTV Malacañang

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged national government agencies also to examine the non-cash needs of Albay families affected by Mayon Volcano’s unrest.

Marcos Jr. has already assured that the government will provide Albay residents aid, as evacuation is expected to take months. However, the President pointed out that cash aid is not the only concern.

June 15, 2023 – 12:13 PM

Albay, Bicol map | PHOTO: DSWD REGION V facebook page

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed 153,000 food packs to Mayon volcano victims under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 90-day aid plan.

Each bundle contains rice, cans, coffee, oatmeal, and hygiene products.

June 15, 2023 – 9:01AM

Mayon Volcano produced fewer volcanic tremors and rockfalls on Thursday, according to state volcanologists.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) logged two volcanic tremors and 306 rockfall events from 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday to 5:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Marcos visits Mayon evacuees; work program set at shelters

June 15, 2023 – 5:34AM

AID ASSURED | President Marcos visits Mayon evacuees at Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay province, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He particularly ordered the setup of more water treatment machines for the families. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

A few days after villagers within the danger zone around Mayon Volcano were ordered to evacuate, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived here on Wednesday to check on their condition and personally hand out food packs.

But the families displaced by the volcano’s renewed activity said they would prefer cash and livelihood assistance, saying their children needed food more nutritious than instant noodles, the usual grocery item found in the aid rations.

Marcos hands out P50 million in employment aid to Mayon evacuees

June 14, 2023 – 10:32PM

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distributes aid at an evacuation center in Guinobatan town in Albay on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. personally distributed on Wednesday about P50 million worth of assistance for the emergency employment of thousands of families displaced by Mayon Volcano’s restiveness in seven towns and cities in Albay.

Marcos handed the checks to the mayors of Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Ligao City, and Tabaco City They would be used for the benefit of 5,016 families — a total of 17,941 persons — in evacuation centers.

Marcos on Mayon Volcano’s unrest: National gov’t should step in before LGU funds run out

june 14, 2023 – 8:45PM

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that the national government should also step in and provide additional funds for the evacuees in Albay before the local government runs out of money for disaster response.

During a situation briefing on the Mayon Volcano’s unrest, Albay Government Edcel Greco Lagman told Marcos that a total of P196,711,000 is needed for disaster response for 90 days, which would cover the needs of the evacuees such as water and sanitation, health services, learning spaces among others.

P33M aid allocated to 3 Albay districts amid Mayon Volcano’s activities — Romualdez

June 14, 2023 – 6:46PM

Relief goods from the Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-lists are delivered to Albay residents affected by the Mayon Volcano’s recent activities.| PHOTO: Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez

The first, second, and third district of Albay would receive a combined P33 million worth of assistance as residents grapple with Mayon Volcano’s recent activities, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced on Wednesday.

Romualdez’s office in a statement said the Speaker and Tingog party-list have coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the provision of the aid to the Albay districts.

Mayon Volcano unrest intensifies – Phivolcs

June 14, 2023 – 03:41 PM

Mayon Volcano’s unrest has intensified, according to state volcanologists on Wednesday, noting an increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes and rockfall events.

Mayon Volcano, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), experienced seven volcanic earthquakes between 5 a.m. on Tuesday and 5 a.m. on Wednesday, along with 309 rockfall incidents.

June 14, 2023 – 03:31 PM

NGCP assistant vice president and spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Malate, Manila. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Wednesday said that it has been monitoring its transmission lines and facilities, which may be susceptible to electrical systems disruption due to ash exposure brought on by the heightened unrest of Mayon Volcano.

According to NGCP assistant vice president and spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza, the corporation has been closely observing transmission towers within the province of Albay and has not yet implemented a preemptive shutdown to its facilities since transmission lines are in normal condition.

June 14, 2023 – 03:08 PM

AID IS HERE Residents who left their homes in three villages of Guinobatan, Albay, as Mayon Volcano starts to rumble await the distribution of relief packages from the Philippine Red Cross at an evacuation center in Barangay Mauraro on Tuesday. INQUIRER file photo / MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said a total of 35 local residents, who evacuated due to Mayon Volcano’s unrest, experienced respiratory issues.

However, these cases are not all attributed to the adverse effects of sulfur dioxide and ashfall of the volcano.

June 13, 2023 – 05:53 PM

PREEMPTIVE MOVE The Albay provincial government expects to move about 4,000 families out of the 6-kilometer danger zone around the restive Mayon Volcano, including these residents in Guinobatan town on Friday. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) as of Tuesday distributed over P9-million assistance, all in kind, to residents affected by the Mayon Volcano unrest.

The OCD has distributed a total of P9.2 million worth of tarpaulin rolls, N95 face masks, family food packs, hygiene kits, pelican cases, and a portable water filtration unit to the affected residents.

June 13, 2023 – 05:01 PM

NIGHT GLOW The summit crater of the restive Mayon Volcano glows as it spews lava on Sunday night, June 11, as seen in this photo taken at around 11 p.m. in Barangay Gogon in Legazpi City. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says the lava flow that started at around 7 p.m. is caused by the new lava dome that surfaced at the crater. JUSTINE ANGELI B.ROBLES/CONTRIBUTOR

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda has appealed to national government agencies to be patient in assisting the province’s residents amid Mayon Volcano’s restiveness could last for weeks or months.

Salceda, in a statement on Tuesday said that the government’s support to residents of Albay, where the volcano is located, would be crucial. He said that based on experience, it could be anywhere between 45 to 90 days or even 110 days.

June 13, 2023 – 12:49 PM

TEMPORARY SHELTER Residents near the 6-kilometer danger zone around the restive Mayon Volcano are taken to a shelter in Barangay Mauraro, Guinobatan, Albay, on June 9 in a mandatory preemptive evacuation initiated by the provincial government as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology continues to monitor the volcanic activity. INQUIRER file photo / MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo on Tuesday urged residents of Albay to stay calm and indulge in panic buying in the wake of Mayon Volcano’s unrest.

Following the province’s LGU’s proclamation of a state of calamity last Sunday, the DTI enforced a 60-day price freeze across the province.

June 13, 2023 – 10:18 AM

COMPOSITE IMAGE: JEROME CRISTOBAL FROM INQ FILE, CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Mayon Volcano, which is one of the most active in the world, is restive again, leaving the government with the single option of evacuating thousands of people, especially those living inside the now 7-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

But while all eyes are on the volcano’s threat of a “hazardous eruption,” which the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said was possible “within weeks or even days,” it would be interesting to know how and when Mayon was formed.

June 13, 2023 – 10:18 AM

View of the Mayon Volcano as of 7:00PM, June 12, 2023 (INQUIRER.net / Ed Lustan)

State volcanologists on Tuesday said the unrest in Mayon Volcano could last for a few months based on their observations in previous years.

Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said this was similar to Mayon’s activity in 2018 and 2014.

June 12, 2023 – 6:04PM

Mayon volcano, known for its breathtaking beauty and occasional fiery temperament, continues to show signs of unrest. (Contributed photos / Jay Carolino and Arren Christian Ventura)

The “danger zone” of Mayon volcano was extended to seven-kilometer radius, prompting the evacuation of the residents inside the area.

“All population inside the seven-kilometer extended danger zone is placed under PREPAREDNESS STATUS — meaning, evacuation will be executed anytime and should bring with their necessities in the evacuation center,” Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in an order signed by Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman.

Residents, authorities keep close watch on restive Mayon

June 12, 2023 – 4:20PM

PICTURESQUE VIEW The restless giant, with its majestic yet unpredictable nature, gives residents and visitors a full view of its perfect conical shape amid clear skies in Legazpi City, Albay. Government volcanologists continue monitoring the Mayon volcano, which has been placed under alert level 3 due to its increasing unrest. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Jay Carolino)

The majestic Mayon volcano, with its awe-inspiring beauty and occasional fiery outbursts, has recently caught the attention of locals and authorities alike due to its continuing signs of restlessness.

With a history of sporadic outbursts, the Mayon volcano has captured the undivided attention of experts and local authorities. These vigilant overseers proactively work to keep nearby Albay communities safe and well-informed.

Mayon unrest leads to evacuation of over 14,000- NDRRMC

June 12, 2023 – 12:53PM

AWAY FROM DANGER ZONE Evacuees are hauled off to shelters from a village in Giunobatan town, Albay, on June 9, 2023, a day after Phivolcs raised the Mayon Volcano alert status to level 3. INQUIRER file photo / MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

Over 14,000 people were evacuated due to the unrest in Mayon Volcano, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Monday.

In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC said a total of 14,376 families from 21 barangays (villages) in Albay’s six municipalities were placed in 22 evacuation centers.

Mayon’s ominous Alert Level 3 stays; effusive eruption, 21 volcanic quakes recorded

June 12, 2023 – 12:32PM

Mayon Volcano displays a crater glow in this photo on June 9, 2023. (Photo from Phivolcs)

Mayon volcano remains under Alert Level 3 and continues to exhibit an effusive eruption accompanied by 21 volcanic earthquakes, the state seismologists said Monday morning.

“Yesterday night, 7:47 pm, nagkaroon po ng lava flow from the summit of the crater of the volcano, and nagkaroon po ng effusive eruption. Effusive eruption po involves slow release of magma onto the edifice of the volcano,” Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol, said during the Laging Handa Public briefing.

50 metric tons of food donations from UAE arrive for families affected by Mayon

June 12, 2023 – 11:39AM

(Photo courtesy of DSWD)

As the heightened unrest of Mayon Volcano continues, 50 metric tons of various food items donated by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the province of Albay arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Monday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

According to the agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and DSWD Usec. Dianne Cajipe received the donated food and medicine at NAIA Terminal 2.

800 cops deployed in Albay amid Mayon’s unrest – PNP

June 12, 2023 – 11:15AM

Eight hundred (800) police personnel were dispatched to designated public school buildings, evacuation centers, and areas in Albay for emergency response purposes amid Mayon’s unrest, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

On June 10, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said more than 7,000 individuals or 2,169 families had been transferred to evacuation centers after Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 3 over the volcano.

Government agencies gird for possible eruption of Mayon

June 12, 2023 – 5:20AM

National and local agencies pressed preparation for a possible eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay province after one volcanic earthquake and 177 rockfall events on Sunday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the volcano emitted 1,205 tons of toxic sulfur dioxide on Saturday as it continued to exhibit “intensified unrest.”

Mayon is the most active volcano in the country and residents are accustomed to frequent restiveness and minor eruptions.

Tolentino pushes for ‘adopt a livestock’ program amid Mayon’s unrest

June 11, 2023 – 6:22PM

SAFER SPACE Albay officials and farmers at Barangay San Roque in Malilipot town start gathering livestock to be taken to shelters away from the danger zone around of Mayon Volcano on Saturday. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM ALBAY VETERINARY OFFICE

Senator Francis Tolentino is pushing to implement an ‘adopt a livestock’ program in various localities in the province of Albay that were affected by the Mayon Volcano’s continuous unrest.

“Yung experience po naman namin noon sa Taal eruption…yung mga kabayo, mga baka, ang ginawa po, in-adopt po ng iba’t ibang lugar [na safe pero malapit] kung saan sila pwedeng alagaan. Sila muna ang nag-alaga—siguro, nag-usap na lang sila ng may-ari [ng hayop] pagkatapos ng eruption kung may ire-reimburse kapag may kaunting nagastos,” Tolentino said in a statement issued on Sunday.

DOH vows to prioritize health, safety of Mayon evacuees

June 11, 2023 – 03:01 PM

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said that it would prioritize the safety of residents affected by Mayon Volcano’s unrest as it readies its emergency response teams in coordination with concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs) in Albay province.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the agency would specifically address the health and nutritional-related needs of the evacuees, adding that hygiene and medicine kits, as well as face masks, were already stocked in 18 designated areas of evacuations.

June 11, 2023 – 11:43 AM

Mayon Volcano at Camalig, Albay as of 4pm, June 8, 2023. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Alyssa Ann M. Solano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday said that it had recorded one volcanic earthquake and 177 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3.

Based on its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcanic earthquake and rockfall events were recorded over the last 24 hours, as Mayon Volcano continues to have “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest.”

June 10, 2023 – 11:37 AM

Amid Mayon Volcano’s unrest, more than 7,000 people across 2,169 families have been evacuated to designated public school buildings and evacuation centers in Albay as of Saturday, reported the state welfare bureau.

Forced evacuation began on Friday according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 3 over Mayon.

June 9, 2023 – 08:25 PM

Mayon Volcano detects a crater glow on Friday, June 9, 2023. Photo from Phivolcs.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) detected 28 small rockfall events at Mayon Volcano in Albay on Friday.

State seismologists also detected no volcanic earthquakes.

“Twenty-eight relatively smaller rockfall events and zero volcanic earthquakes have been detected by the Mayon Volcano Network since 5:00 pm today,” said Phivolcs.

At 7:00 PM, Phivolcs also recorded the Mayon Volcano exhibiting a crater glow or “banaag” in its summit lava dome.

Evacuation of 1,400 families begins amid Mayon’s restiveness

June 9, 2023 – 06:23 PM

Evacuation has begun in the town of Camalig in Albay on Friday due to Mayon volcano’s possible eruption, according to the Albay Provincial Information Office (PIO).
OCD spokesperson Raffy Alejandro IV said this on Friday.

Four barangays within Mayon’s permanent six kilometer danger zone have been ordered by Camalig town Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. to evacuate.

OCD gears up for ‘worst case scenario’ due to Mayon’s unrest

June 9, 2023 – 04:48 PM

Mayon volcano, June 8, 2023 at 1:08PM | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ed Lustan

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is gearing up for the “worst case scenario” that may happen should Mayon volcano erupt.

OCD spokesperson Raffy Alejandro IV said this on Friday.

Mayon response: OCD allocates P250 million in funding

June 9, 2023 – 03:39 PM

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has prepared around P250 million for the Mayon volcano response, its spokesperson Raffy Alejandro IV said on Friday.

“For OCD, we have enough resources,” Alejandro said in an interview with reporters at OCD Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo Quezon City.

Albay placed under calamity state due to Mayon restiveness

June 9, 2023 – 03:28PM

REAWAKENING Around 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, rocks were seen falling down the slopes of Mayon Volcano from the crater summit, in this shot taken at Barangay Busay in Daraga town, Albay province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has raised the alert level and nearby villagers have been told to flee to safety. Mayon last erupted in January 2018. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

Albay was placed under a state of calamity on Friday afternoon due to the looming hazardous eruption of Mayon Volcano.

In resolution no. 0607-2023, the provincial council said this would allow the provincial government to use the calamity fund in the delivery of services, especially to the families affected by the activity of the volcano.

Mayon rockfall events double in last 24 hours — Phivolcs

June 9, 2023 – 9:39AM

The summit of restive Mayon volcano as seen from Camalig, Albay on Thursday afternoon. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Alyssa Ann M. Solano)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday said that rockfall events in Mayon volcano more than doubled to 199 in the last 24 hours.

A total of 98 rockfalls were detected between June 7 and 8.

Phivolcs, in its latest advisory, also said that it recorded six pyroclastic density currents which lasted for four to five minutes, emplacing lava debris on the southern gullies within two kilometers from the volcano’s crater.

‘Hazardous’ Mayon eruption looms; locals told to leave

June 9, 2023 – 5:30AM

REAWAKENING Around 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, rocks are seen falling down the slopes of Mayon Volcano from the crater summit, in this shot taken at Barangay Busay in Daraga town, Albay province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has raised the alert level and nearby villagers have been told to flee to safety. Mayon last erupted in January 2018. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday warned that a “hazardous eruption” of Mayon Volcano could be weeks or days away, prompting the local government of Albay to order the mandatory evacuation of residents inside the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.

Phivolcs said it observed three fast-moving avalanches of volcanic ash, rock, and gases, known as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), on Mayon’s slopes on Thursday.

There are “increased chances of lava flows and hazardous PDCs … and of potential explosive activity within weeks or even days,” the agency said, raising the alert level from two to three on a scale of zero to five.

DOH warns public of effects of Mayon Volcano SO2 emissions, ashfall

June 8, 2023 – 9:46PM

Mayon volcano, June 8, 2023 at 1:08PM | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ed Lustan

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday warned the public residing near Mayon Volcano about the effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and ashfall.

To recall, Mayon Volcano was placed on Alert Level 3 by state volcanologists due to an increase in rockfall events, indicating a “potential explosive activity happening within days or weeks.”

“The Department of Health advises the public residing at or near its shores and other high-risk areas to be vigilant,” said DOH in a statement.

Gov’t ready for disaster in case Mayon will erupt – Marcos

June 8, 2023 – 7:46PM

Mayon Volcano at Camalig, Albay as of 4pm, June 8, 2023. Contributed photo/Alyssa Ann M. Solano

Government offices concerned are ready to deal with disasters in case Mayon and Taal volcanoes will erupt.

This is the comment of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) placed Mayon under Alert Level 3.

Marcos was replying to an ambush interview with reporters after the ‘Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU)’ event at the Manila Hotel on Thursday night.

Albay orders mandatory evacuation of residents in Mayon Volcano’s ‘danger zone’

June 8, 2023 – 3:15PM

The local government of Albay has ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone on Thursday, June 8, after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised alert level 3 on Mayon Volcano.

Eugene Escobar, chief of research division of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, said during the emergency meeting at the capitol in this city that alert level 3 meant the mandatory evacuation of all farmers and prohibition of human activities inside the danger zone.

Mayon: Alert Level 3 up as rockfalls increase; ‘explosive activity’ seen in weeks- Phivolcs

June 8, 2023 – 12:36PM

After rockfall increase since June 3, Phivolcs put Mayon Volcano on Alert Level 3 on Thursday due to “potential explosive activity happening within days or weeks.”

Phivolcs, in a bulletin, said that the “volume of discrete rockfall events increased on 3 June based on the seismic record, signaling an increase in the rate of dome growth.”

Phivolcs reported three pyroclastic density current (PDC) events on Bonga and Basud Gullies at 6:18 a.m., 9:53 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Rockfall events in restive Mayon Volcano more than doubles

June 8, 2023 – 8:44AM

Mayon Volcano (INQUIRER.net file photo / Ed Lustan)

Rockfall events in Mayon Volcano more than doubled from 46 to 98 in the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday morning.

Phivolcs on Monday raised alert level 2 over Mayon Volcano due to increasing unrest.

“Between 5 a.m. yesterday, June 7, to 5 a.m. today, June 8, we recorded 98 rockfall events. This is much higher than the 46 rockfall events that we detected between June 6 and June 7,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview on ABS-CBN’s Sakto.

Lahar from Mayon slopes threatens Albay villages

June 8, 2023 – 5:02AM

NOW CLEAR Legazpi City residents and visitors get a full view of the perfect conical shape of Mayon Volcano amid clear skies on Tuesday morning. Government volcanologists continue monitoring the volcano, which has been placed under alert level 2 due to its increasing unrest. —JOHN MICHAEL MANJARES/CONTRIBUTOR

Residents in Albay are bracing for the possibility of rain-triggered lahar flow from the slopes of Mt. Mayon as the volcano continues to show signs of heightened activity this week.

Levy Lourdes Nuñez, village chief of Mabinit here, said the newly emitted volcanic materials and the old deposits from Mayon might be carried down by rainwater along the Bogña gully in their adjacent barangay now that the rainy season has started.

“Another hazard that makes us fearful is the flooding with lahar flow. We are afraid that the quarry operations on the slopes of the volcano could open the channels leading to our village,” Nuñez said in a phone interview on Wednesday.

DSWD readies packed goods in case situations in Taal, Mayon escalate

June 7, 2023 – 1:29PM

A total of 200,000 family food packs (FFPs) have been prepositioned by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in regions vulnerable to the Taal and Mayon volcanoes, which have been exhibiting “increasing unrest.”

Mayon’s danger zone off-limits to Albay folk

June 7, 2023 – 4:40AM

DECEPTIVE CALM | The summit of Mt. Mayon in Albay province, which is partly covered with clouds in this photo taken on June 5, 2023, appears calm but it has been under alert level 2 after exhibiting signs of unrest since Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

At least 5,000 mostly farming families living close to the slopes of Mt. Mayon were ordered on Tuesday to suspend all their activities within or at the boundary of the volcano’s 6-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone due to the threat of a “hazardous” eruption after state volcanologists raised its warning status to alert level 2 on Monday.

In Sto. Domingo alone, one of the eight localities in Albay province at the foot of the volcano, about 5,788 families, or 24,222 people, in high- and moderate-risk areas were advised to stop attending to their farms while Mayon remained restive, said Mayor Joseling Aguas Jr. These families were living near the danger zone and along the river channels in the villages of Lidong, Fidel Surtida, Santa Misericordia and San Isidro.

Flights remain at Naia despite Taal, Mayon activity; Clark diversion unlikely — Caap

June 6, 2023 – 12:23PM

ADVENTURE RIDE Mayon volcano is at alert level 2 due to increased rockfall, but tourists still enjoy ATV rides in Daraga, Albay. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines says diverting flights from Taal and Mayon volcanoes is unnecessary, as their activity levels are insufficient for such actions. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA

Recent heightened activities at Taal and Mayon volcanos have raised questions about potential flight diversions.

But the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) confirmed during a Laging Handa public briefing on Tuesday that planes are unlikely to be diverted to airports far from the affected areas at this time.

The Caap addressed concerns regarding sending and receiving flights at airports far from the two volcanos.

Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 2 in Mayon Volcano

June 6, 2023 – 11:26AM

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday said it recorded 74 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours as it maintained Alert Level 2 status.

According to Phivolcs in its latest advisory on Mayon, the rockfall event lasted from one to four minutes, placing lava debris on the volcano’s southern gullies within a kilometer of its crater.

“Thin brownish-gray ash from the rockfalls also drifted to the general southwest,” said Phivolcs.

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‘Increasing unrest’ in Mayon, Taal; residents relocated

June 6, 2023 – 5:30AM

ADVENTURE RIDE | The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology places Mayon Volcano under alert level 2 after its monitoring of the summit crater shows an increased rockfall. On Monday, several tourists are seen still enjoying all-terrain vehicle rides in Daraga, Albay, as clouds obscure the view of Mayon. (Photo by MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / Inquirer Southern Luzon)

Farmers near Mayon Volcano in Albay province and residents around Taal Volcano in Batangas province were advised to keep out of the danger zones of these two active volcanoes following their “increasing unrest” since Sunday.

In a bulletin on Monday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the warning signal over Mayon to alert level 2, indicating the possibility of phreatic, or steam-driven, eruptions or hazardous magmatic eruptions.

CAAP bars flights near Taal, Mayon volcanoes for safety reasons

June 5, 2023 – 5:37PM

CAAP logo. INQUIRER FILES

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday barred planes from flying and operating near Taal and Mayon volcanoes in view of increasing volcanic activities.

State volcanologists earlier placed Mayon Volcano on Alert Level 2 due to increasing unrest, while an ongoing low-level activity was reported in Taal Volcano.

Phivolcs raises Mayon volcano status to Alert Level 2

June 5, 2023 – 12:03PM

A view of Mt. Mayon / File photo

State volcanologists on Monday raised alert level 2 over Mayon volcano due to increasing unrest.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said alert 2 means, “there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption.”

The agency said alert level 2 means there is an increased risk of sudden explosions, rockfall and landslides due to the latest developments in the volcano.