What is the name and location of the volcano?
As of January 12, 2026, Mayon Volcano is an active stratovolcano In Albay province, within the Bicol Region of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Located within Mayon Volcano National Park near the Albay Gulf, the volcano reaches an elevation of about 2,462 meters (1).
It is widely recognized for its symmetrical cone shape and its setting along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of heightened volcanic activity (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the volcano?
The following cities and municipalities in Albay province are directly affected by Mayon Volcano activity and related safety restrictions:
- Camalig
- Daraga
- Guinobatan
- Legazpi City
- Malilipot
- Santo Domingo
A six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains in effect around Mayon Volcano (3).
What is the current containment status of the volcano?
As of January 12, 2026, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest.
Monitoring data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology shows ongoing lava effusion, 256 recorded rockfall events, 41 pyroclastic density currents, and sustained sulfur dioxide emissions averaging 777 metric tons per day (4).
Ground deformation measurements confirm that the volcanic edifice remains swollen, suggesting continued magma movement beneath the surface. The volcanic activity remains ongoing and under close monitoring.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued and maintained evacuation orders in response to increased volcanic activity. More than 2,800 residents from communities within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone have been evacuated to government-run emergency shelters.
An additional number of residents outside the danger zone have voluntarily relocated for safety. Entry into the Permanent Danger Zone remains strictly prohibited due to the continued risk of rockfalls, pyroclastic flows, and potential explosive eruptions.
Alert Level 3 has been in effect since January 6, 2026, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official guidance (5).
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.
