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ALBAY, Philippines — Mayon Volcano erupted early Sunday, sending a towering ash plume into the sky and triggering lava flows that forced thousands of residents in surrounding towns to evacuate.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the eruption began with a sudden phreatic blast, followed by sustained lava effusion from the summit crater.
PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol confirmed the sequence, saying, “The initial explosion was steam‑driven, but magma quickly followed, indicating that this is already a magmatic eruption.” The agency raised Alert Level 4, signaling the possibility of a hazardous eruption within hours or days.
Communities Around Mayon Scramble to Safety
Residents from the towns of Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Ligao City, and Tabaco City — all within or near the 6‑kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) — were ordered to evacuate immediately. Local disaster officials reported that more than 12,000 people were moved to evacuation centers by midday, with more expected as ashfall spread across Albay.
“We left everything behind — our animals, our crops. The ash was already falling like rain,” said farmer Ernesto Baldoza of Barangay Anoling in Camalig, interviewed by local radio.
Government Mobilizes Troops, Relief, and Medical Teams
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed trucks and personnel to assist in evacuations. Albay Governor Edcel Grex Lagman said the province was placed under a state of calamity to speed up relief operations.
“Our priority is zero casualties. We are coordinating closely with PHIVOLCS and local governments to ensure all high‑risk communities are cleared,” Lagman said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) pre‑positioned food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping materials for evacuees. Health officials also warned of respiratory risks due to ashfall, advising residents to wear masks and stay indoors.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC); Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program; historical archives of Albay Provincial Government. | PDM Graphics
How the Eruption Began — and Why It Matters
PHIVOLCS reported increased seismic activity, crater glow, and gas emissions in the days leading up to the eruption, but the initial blast was still considered sudden, typical of Mayon’s behavior.
“Mayon is known for its sudden phreatic explosions, which can occur without clear precursors,” PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.
The eruption produced lava flows reaching 2 kilometers downslope, pyroclastic density currents, and heavy ashfall affecting Legazpi City and nearby municipalities.
Tremors Continue: Dozens of Volcanic Earthquakes Recorded
PHIVOLCS confirmed that volcanic earthquakes and tremor episodes have continued since the May 2 eruption. In its latest 24‑hour monitoring period, the agency recorded: 32 volcanic earthquakes, including
25 volcanic tremors lasting 2–15 minutes, 284 rockfall events, 14 PDC signals, and continuous lava effusion down the Basud, Bonga, and Mi‑isi gullies, extending 1.6 to 3.8 kilometers.
A separate bulletin logged 39 volcanic earthquakes, including 21 tremors lasting up to 44 minutes, underscoring ongoing magma movement beneath the volcano.
“These parameters indicate that magma is still rising,” PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said. “We are monitoring for possible dome collapse, which could generate larger PDCs.”
How Mayon Compares to Other Philippine Volcanoes
Mayon is one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, with more than 50 recorded eruptions since 1616. Its eruptions are typically effusive, producing lava flows, but it has also generated deadly pyroclastic surges, including those in 2018 and 2014.
By comparison:
- Taal Volcano is known for explosive, ash‑rich eruptions that can blanket entire regions.
- Kanlaon Volcano produces sudden steam‑driven blasts similar to Mayon but with less frequent lava effusion.
- Pinatubo, which erupted catastrophically in 1991, remains the country’s most destructive eruption in modern history.
Current Status and What Comes Next
As of Sunday afternoon, PHIVOLCS reported continuous lava effusion, moderate ash emissions, and ongoing volcanic earthquakes.
“We are monitoring for possible dome collapse, which could generate larger pyroclastic flows,” Bacolcol said.
Flights to and from Bicol International Airport were suspended due to low visibility. Classes and work in affected towns were canceled.
Despite the uncertainty, officials urged calm. “Mayon has erupted many times, but preparedness saves lives. We ask everyone to follow evacuation orders,” said OCD Regional Director Claudio Yucot.
Communities Brace for a Long Stay in Shelters
With Alert Level 4 in place, evacuees may remain in shelters for weeks. Local governments are preparing for extended relief operations, while residents hope the volcano’s activity stabilizes soon.
“We’ve lived with Mayon all our lives, but every eruption feels different,” said evacuee Marites Olayres. “We just pray it calms down.”
–With Ricky Rillera/PDM
