Mayon Volcano Remains at Alert Level 3 as Unrest Continues

Effusive unrest at Mayon Volcano reached its 60th day on Friday, March 6, as persistent lava flows, volcanic earthquakes, and occasional explosive bursts continued, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) [1].

Current Activity

PHIVOLCS’ latest bulletin, covering the period from 12 a.m. On March 5 to 12 a.m. On March 6, detailed the ongoing activity. Lava effusion continues to feed flows along three gullies on the volcano’s southern and eastern slopes.

• Lava flows currently extend 3.8 kilometers along the Basud gully.
• Lava flows extend 2.9 kilometers along the Bonga gully.
• Lava flows extend 1.3 kilometers along the Mi-isi gully.

Occasional strombolian activity, characterized by small, explosive bursts of lava producing short-lived glowing lava fountains, was also observed. PHIVOLCS recorded 333 rockfall events, 48 volcanic earthquakes, and four pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as “uson” [3].

A fair crater glow remains visible, indicating the presence of molten material at the summit. Sulfur dioxide emission remained elevated at 1,139 tons on March 5. A one-kilometer plume was observed rising from the crater with moderate emission, drifting southwest to north-northeast.

Alert Level and Hazards

Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, signifying intensified magmatic unrest and the potential for hazardous eruptions. PHIVOLCS warns that ongoing activity may continue to generate lava flows, collapse-fed rockfalls, and PDCs. Possible lava fountaining or moderate explosions could also affect all sectors around the volcano.

Entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone remains strictly prohibited. Residents within an eight-kilometer radius are advised to prepare for possible evacuation should monitoring parameters escalate and the alert level be raised to Alert Level 4.

Recent History

Mayon entered a period of magmatic eruption on January 6, 2026. Since then, activity has been characterized by lava effusion, collapse-fed rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents [2].

About Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, is an active stratovolcano renowned for its nearly perfect conical shape [4]. It is the most active volcano in the Philippines and is regularly monitored by PHIVOLCS from their provincial headquarters on Ligñon Hill, approximately 12 kilometers from the summit.