Mayon Volcano Remains Under Alert Level 3 — PHIVOLCS

(Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)

The PHIVOLCS announced at 12:00 a.m. On May 17, 2026, Mayon Volcano remained under Alert Level 3 after continuous lava flows, volcanic earthquakes, rockfalls, and weak strombolian eruptions were monitored through PHIVOLCS’s volcanic observation and monitoring system.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), lava continued flowing through the Basud, Bonga, and Mi-isi gullies, reaching up to 3.8 kilometers. The volcano also showed weak to moderate strombolian activity, or the mild explosive eruption of lava fragments from the crater.

PHIVOLCS recorded 23 volcanic earthquakes, including 15 volcanic tremors lasting from two to 21 minutes. In addition, authorities detected 351 rockfall events and five pyroclastic density current signals, which may indicate the movement of hot gas, ash, and volcanic materials down the slopes of the volcano.

They also measured sulfur dioxide emissions at 908 tons per day on May 16, 2026. Meanwhile, a steam plume rising 1,000 meters above the crater drifted toward the west-northwest and southwest directions.

Ground deformation data further showed that the volcano’s edifice is temporarily shrinking but beginning to swell on the northeastern side, a possible sign of magma movement beneath the volcano.

PHIVOLCS warned residents to stay away from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the threat of sudden explosions, lava collapse, rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents.