Mayon alert level raised amid unrest

LIGAO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday raised Alert Level 2 (moderate level of volcanic unrest) over Mayon Volcano, citing increasing unrest that could lead to an effusive eruption or the steady outflow of lava.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said the alert status was raised from Alert Level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest) due to persistent abnormal activity at the volcano.

Resident volcanologist Deborah Fernandez told the Inquirer that monitoring data showed 47 rockfall events — the descent of volcanic debris from the summit crater — recorded on Wednesday alone, indicating growing instability on Mayon’s upper slopes.

Phivolcs also reported a total of 599 rockfall events recorded in the last two months of 2025.

Growing lava dome

The agency noted continued inflation, or swelling, of the volcano observed since June 2024, suggesting magma intrusion beneath the volcanic edifice.

“The lava dome at the summit of Mayon is growing. This increases the likelihood of phreatic (steam-driven) explosions and the possible onset of an effusive eruption characterized by lava flows, similar to what occurred during the 2023 eruptions,” Fernandez said.

She said the appearance of rock spines indicates upward magma movement beneath the lava dome, which could eventually lead to lava extrusion (an eruption of material that causes the volcano to grow on the outside).

While no significant volcanic earthquakes have been recorded, the sustained increase in rockfall events since November has prompted the alert level upgrade.

Phivolcs reiterated the strict enforcement of the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the threat of pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, ashfall, and lahar flows, especially during heavy rainfall.

Fernandez also appealed to the public to refrain from vandalizing Phivolcs monitoring equipment around the volcano, stressing that accurate and uninterrupted data are crucial for public safety.

According to Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, the provincial government is on heightened readiness following the alert-level increase.

Evacuation readied

“All systems are in place. If alert level 3 (high level of volcanic unrest) is raised, local government units will be alerted, and residents within the 6-km radius will be evacuated. If the alert level is further increased, those within the extended 8-km zone will also be relocated,” Rosal said in a separate interview.

READ: Mayon Volcano now under Alert Level 2

He directed local police and authorities to enforce a “no human activity” policy within the permanent danger zone.

According to Rosal, all-terrain vehicle rides are prohibited beyond the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town, while the Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City is temporarily closed. A no-fly zone is being enforced over the volcano. —With a report from April Mier-Manjares