LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has officially issued a bulletin confirming that Mayon Volcano has entered an eruptive phase as of 11:57 a.m. today, October 30, 2026.
Residents in the province of Albay were caught in a state of high alert as a thick plume of volcanic ash and gas began rising from the summit crater, reaching several thousand meters into the atmosphere. The sudden activity marks a significant escalation in the volcano’s behavior, prompting local government units to initiate emergency protocols immediately.
PHIVOLCS has maintained a heightened status for the iconic volcano, noting that seismic instruments began detecting intensified volcanic tremors shortly before the eruption commenced. While authorities are currently assessing the extent of the volcanic materials being ejected, the immediate concern remains the potential for pyroclastic density currents—fast-moving flows of superheated gas and rock—and ashfall that could impact nearby communities and agricultural lands.
“We are urging all residents within the identified Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to evacuate immediately and follow the directives of their local disaster risk reduction and management offices,” said a representative from the agency. “We are currently conducting real-time monitoring of the summit and the surrounding slopes to determine if the eruption intensity is increasing or if it will stabilize.”
In Legazpi City and neighboring municipalities, the midday sky darkened as ash began to settle, reducing visibility and triggering precautionary measures among local businesses and schools. Authorities have warned the public against inhaling volcanic ash, which can cause severe respiratory irritation, and have advised those in affected areas to wear N95 masks or wet cloths over their faces.
Motorists have been advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads, as ash-covered asphalt can become hazardous and slippery. Air travel in the Bicol region is also expected to face disruptions, with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) currently evaluating the safety of airspace near the volcano.
Governor of Albay and local disaster response teams have activated their respective command centers to oversee the evacuation process. Social services are being mobilized to prepare temporary shelters for displaced families, with a focus on high-risk villages located at the base of the volcano.
As of 1:00 p.m., the ash column remains visible from various vantage points across the province. Scientists from PHIVOLCS are currently deploying additional sensors to monitor the volcano’s sulfur dioxide emissions and ground deformation, which will be critical in determining whether a larger eruption is imminent.
Further updates, including the official alert level status and evacuation maps, will be released as the situation develops. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local radio stations and monitor the official channels of PHIVOLCS for the latest bulletins.
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