What is the name and location of the volcano?
As of May 15, 2026, Mayon Volcano is actively erupting in Albay Province in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines.
Located approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Albay, Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity.
The volcano rises prominently near the municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, and the city of Ligao. It is internationally recognized for its remarkably symmetrical cone shape, making it one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks.
Authorities continue to closely monitor volcanic activity and potential hazards within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the crater. (1)
Which cities or areas are affected by the volcano?
The following areas have been affected by ongoing volcanic activity from Mayon Volcano:
- Albay Province
- Basud
- Bonga
- Camalig
- Cagsawa
- Guinobatan
- Legazpi
- Ligao City
- Mi-isi Gully
- Misi
At least 124 barangays across Albay Province have been affected by ashfall, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and volcanic activity.
What is the current containment status of the volcano?
As of May 15, 2026, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 as volcanic unrest continues across the region.
PHIVOLCS reported that the volcano has been undergoing an effusive eruption for 131 consecutive days, producing continuous lava flows, collapse-fed pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, volcanic earthquakes, and minor strombolian activity at the summit crater.
Lava flows have extended up to 3.8 kilometers along Basud Gully, 3.2 kilometers along Bonga Gully, and 1.6 kilometers along Mi-isi Gully (2).
Monitoring data also recorded 71 volcanic earthquakes, 421 rockfall events, sulfur dioxide emissions averaging 889 tonnes per day, and ongoing ground deformation around the volcano.
Authorities continue enforcing restrictions within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone because hazardous eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and sudden explosive activity remain possible (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities continue to enforce Alert Level 3 at Mayon Volcano and prohibit entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the crater.
PHIVOLCS has warned residents and visitors to remain outside restricted zones because lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, ashfall, and sudden explosive eruptions may occur without warning.
More than 287,000 people across the Philippines remain displaced or are sheltering due to the prolonged eruption.
Evacuation centers across Albay Province continue housing thousands of families as emergency response teams coordinate relief operations, distribute protective supplies, and monitor conditions in affected communities.
Authorities are also preparing for additional risks associated with the approaching rainy season, including lahars and flooding in communities surrounding the volcano.
How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
