Authorities raised Mayon Volcano’s alert to level three, warning of possible explosive eruptions and urging evacuations near danger zones.
ALBAY: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano to level three on Monday, signalling increased volcanic unrest and the potential for explosive activity. The iconic volcano, located in Albay province in central Philippines, is showing signs of a developing lava dome and escalating seismic activity.
The new alert level is part of a five-stage system, with level three indicating “increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.” PHIVOLCS said it has detected a sustained rise in volcanic gas emissions and shallow tremors, alongside visual confirmation of dome formation at the summit.
Residents living within six kilometres of the volcano’s crater have been urged to evacuate immediately due to the risk of lava flows, falling rocks, pyroclastic density currents, and other life-threatening hazards. The government is coordinating with local authorities to support evacuation procedures and monitor ongoing volcanic activity.
PHIVOLCS has reiterated the importance of remaining outside the declared permanent danger zone and is closely monitoring the situation through satellite imagery, ground-based observation, and gas emission analysis.
Mayon Volcano is one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, with its last major eruption recorded in 2018. The recent developments have raised concerns about a repeat of past explosive events, prompting readiness measures across Albay and surrounding regions.
