Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Philippines raises alert level at Mayon volcano
The Philippines has raised the alert level for the Mayon volcano to level 3, which means there is a risk of a big explosion.
People living within 6 kilometers of the volcano are being told to leave because of dangers like lava and falling rocks.
The volcano is very active and has erupted many times before.
The last big eruption was in 2023.
Scientists are also warning planes to stay away because ash from an eruption can be dangerous.
The Philippines is in an area with many volcanoes and earthquakes, called the 'Ring of Fire'.
Phivolcs raised the alert level for Mayon volcano to 3, indicating potential explosive activity.
Residents within a 6-kilometre radius are advised to evacuate due to hazards like lava flows and falling rocks.
Mayon is the most active of 22 volcanoes in the Philippines, with over 50 eruptions in the last 400 years.
Since January 1, 2026, Phivolcs has recorded 346 rockfalls and 4 volcanic earthquakes.
The last magmatic eruption occurred in June 2023, and the most destructive eruption was in February 1841, killing 1,200 people.
- Who
- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)
- What
- Raised alert level to 3 for Mayon volcano
- When
- January 6, 2026
- Where
- Albay, Philippines
- Why
- Due to potential explosive activity and formation of a lava dome at the summit
- Volcano
- Mayon
- Location
- Albay, Philippines
- Alert Level
- 3 (on a 5-level scale)
- Danger Zone
- 6-kilometre radius
- Recent Activity
- 346 rockfalls and 4 volcanic earthquakes since January 1, 2026
- Last Eruption
- June 2023 (magmatic)
- Most Destructive Eruption
- February 1841 (1,200 deaths)
