Mayon Volcano logs 19 quakes, dozens of PDCs; alert level stays at 3

The Mayon Volcano remained under unrest after recording 19 volcanic earthquakes over the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

PHIVOLCS said the earthquakes were recorded from 12 a.m. on 18 January 2026 to 12 a.m. on 19 January 2026. During the same period, the agency also logged 297 rockfall events and 57 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), based on its latest bulletin issued Monday.

The agency said Mayon’s crater glow remained visible to the naked eye, while sulfur dioxide emission reached 3,788 tons on Sunday. Volcanic plumes were also observed.

PHIVOLCS maintained Mayon Volcano at Alert Level 3, classified as “intensified unrest or magmatic unrest,” and warned of continuing hazards such as rockfalls or landslide avalanches, ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, PDCs, moderate explosions, and possible lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

The agency reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, while access to the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) should also not be allowed without strict vigilance. PHIVOLCS also warned aircraft against flying close to the volcano.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported on Sunday that it has extended more than P8.4 million worth of humanitarian assistance to local government units in Albay province.

According to DSWD Field Office 5, the agency is coordinating closely with Albay LGUs to monitor the condition of more than 1,100 families, or over 4,000 individuals, currently staying in 12 evacuation centers.

“Nakausap natin Yung provincial government gaundin Yung mga local chief executives, nag-usap Tayo on the arrangement sa pamamahagi ng mga family food packs (FFPs),” DSWD spokesperson Asec. Irene Dumlao said.

“For 15 days yung mga local government units, and then the next 15 days, DSWD will come in. Kasi alam Naman natin na medyo magtatagal itong sitwasyon,itong pag-aalburoto ng Mayon,” she added.