The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) downgraded Mayon Volcano’s status from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 on Wednesday, August 5, citing a sustained drop in volcanic activity since late July.
The Albay volcano had been raised to Alert Level 3 on January 6, but monitoring network observations show a overall decline in overall activity following peak eruptive levels in mid-July. Lava flows in the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud gullies halted on July 22, indicating an end to fresh magma reaching the summit.
Rockfall incidents decreased from 278 daily to 12 after July 23, while Strombolian eruptions and pyroclastic density currents ceased late last month.
Volcanic quakes dropped from 57 to 13 per day, seismic energy returned to baseline levels, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions fell significantly from a record high on July 11.
“Mayon Volcano’s monitoring network and observation of day-to-day conditions have recorded a general decline in unrest since 23 July 2026,” Phivolcs said.
“The lowering of the alert status should not be interpreted to mean that the volcano’s unrest has ceased, considering that the edifice is still pressurized and SO2 emission remains high relative to baseline levels,” it said.
PHIVOLCS warned that underground magma remains pressurized and SO2 levels stay elevated, meaning sudden explosions, rockfalls, or ashfall can still occur.
- Danger Zone Restrictions: Entry into the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone remains strictly prohibited due to active hazards.
- Lahar Warnings: Nearby communities along river channels must remain cautious, as heavy rain could trigger lahars and streamflows.
“Given the large amounts of volcanic material deposited by the 2026 eruption, heavy to intense rainfall could generate post-eruption lahars and sediment-laden streamflow in channels draining the Mi-isi, Bonga and Basud Gullies,” PHIVOLCS said.
Aircraft are also advised to avoid flying near the summit crater due to sudden ash hazards.