Mayon Volcano now under Alert Level 3

State volcanologists raised the alarm for Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday following a sharp increase in rockfall events and the growth of a new lava dome at the summit.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the upgrade from Alert Level 2 indicates Mayon is currently in a state of magmatic eruption. Experts warned of an increased risk of lava flows and hazardous pyroclastic density currents — hot, fast-moving flows of gas and debris locally known as “uson” — affecting the volcano’s upper and middle slopes.

An explosive eruption is possible within days or weeks, according to the agency.

Since 1 January, Phivolcs has recorded 346 rockfall events and four volcanic earthquakes, with individual events lasting up to five minutes. Volcanologists noted that the volume of rockfalls spiked Monday, signaling that new lava is being extruded at the crater.

Authorities recommended the immediate evacuation of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone. Residents were also advised to remain vigilant against lahars and sediment-laden streamflows in channels surrounding the volcano.

Civil aviation officials have been told to advise pilots to avoid flying near the summit, as sudden ash emissions can cause engine failure.

In a separate update Tuesday, Phivolcs reported that Kanlaon Volcano in the central Philippines remains under Alert Level 2.

A weak ash emission was observed at the summit crater at 5:55 a.m., generating grayish plumes that rose 350 meters before drifting southwest.

The public is strictly prohibited from entering Kanlaon’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the threat of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

Meantime, Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday ensured that their Field Office 5 Bicol Region is on full alert to respond and Disaster Response and Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that their Field Office has been closely monitoring the situation as it continues to coordinate with local government units in Albay province that are near the danger zone.

The agency deployed its Disaster Risk Management staff to populations that might be affected within the six-kilometer danger zone of Mayon Volcano.