Mayon Volcano Continues to Erupt, Prompting Evacuations in the Philippines

Mayon Volcano in the Philippines continues to exhibit heightened activity, with ongoing lava effusions, pyroclastic flows and seismic unrest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is closely monitoring the situation, and evacuations are in effect for nearby communities.

Recent Activity and Hazards

As of Sunday morning, March 15, 2026, PHIVOLCS reported 279 volcanic earthquakes recorded in a 24-hour period at Mayon Volcano in Albay province [GMA Integrated News]. In addition to the earthquakes, 324 rockfalls and three pyroclastic density current (PDC) signals were also detected.

Lava flows continue from the volcano, extending along three gullies: Basud (3.8 kilometers), Bonga (3.2 km), and Mi-isi (1.3 km) [GMA Integrated News]. Episodic minor Strombolian activity – short-lived, explosive bursts – is also occurring. A total of 2,430 tonnes of sulfur dioxide was released during the same period.

PHIVOLCS warns of potential hazards including rockfalls, landslides, avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, moderate-sized explosions, and lahars (mudflows) during heavy rainfall [GMA Integrated News].

Alert Level and Evacuations

The Alert Level remains at 3 on a five-level scale, indicating that an eruption is possible within days or weeks [NASA Earth Observatory], [Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program]. Entry into the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone remains prohibited, and pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the summit.

As of March 10, 2026, a total of 4,058 people (1,116 families) were staying in 13 evacuation shelters, with an additional 48 people (16 families) staying with friends or relatives [Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program].

Background on Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, located on Luzon Island in the Philippines, is the country’s most active volcano [NASA Earth Observatory]. It is a nearly symmetrical stratovolcano, rising over 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level. Historical records indicate Mayon has erupted 65 times in the past 5,000 years [NASA Earth Observatory]. The current eruptive episode began in January 2026 [NASA Earth Observatory].

Ongoing Monitoring

PHIVOLCS continues to monitor Mayon Volcano closely, using seismic networks, gas measurements, and visual observations to assess the ongoing eruption and provide timely warnings to communities at risk [IQAir].