Mayon Volcano released 7,115 tons of sulfur dioxide on August 31, 2026, marking the second-highest emission recorded since concentrations began declining on July 16, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The spike prompted the agency to warn of a potential shift toward renewed eruptive activity at the summit crater.
Volcanic Unrest and Sulfur Dioxide Spikes at Mayon
Sulfur emissions from Mayon Volcano have surged to more than twice their average level since the agency placed the volcano under Alert Level 2 for moderate unrest on August 5, 2026, according to Phivolcs. During this period, sulfur emissions have averaged 3,844 tons daily. The August 31 reading of 7,115 tons is the second-highest emission recorded since volcanic gas concentrations began declining on July 16.
According to Phivolcs bulletins, the elevated gas output coincided with a slight increase in low-frequency volcanic earthquakes. Monitoring teams logged 12 volcanic earthquakes as of midnight Tuesday, attributing the seismic activity to volcanic degassing while real-time seismic energy release held at background levels. Electronic tilt monitoring also detected short-term swelling or pressurization along Mayon’s northern and eastern flanks.
Risks of Renewed Eruptive Activity
According to Phivolcs, high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions might signal an upcoming transition back to eruptive behavior at the summit crater. A renewed eruption could generate hazardous phenomena, including pyroclastic density currents or uson, rockfall, ballistic fragments, and widespread ashfall.
While Mayon remains under Alert Level 2, Phivolcs urged local governments and residents to prepare for a possible escalation to Alert Level 3. Communities located in areas vulnerable to pyroclastic density currents face heightened risks should conditions deteriorate further.
Safety Advisories and Danger Zones
Authorities have reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited. Furthermore, authorities cautioned that mudflows and debris-laden torrents might sweep down the waterways originating from Mayon, especially amid extended periods of heavy precipitation or concurrent explosive activity.
Pilots were also advised to avoid flying near the summit. Ash and ballistic fragments from a sudden eruption could endanger aircraft.