The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned Monday that Mayon Volcano’s ongoing activity is following a trajectory similar to its prolonged 2023 eruption, characterized by slow lava effusion and persistent threats to surrounding communities.
PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol noted that the current magmatic behavior reflects the six-month period of unrest seen three years ago, which necessitated a long-term evacuation of residents within the danger zone.
“Yung 2023, effusive eruption din yun and it took 6 months bago natin naibaba yung alert level from alert level 3 to alert level 2. So similar din yung pinapakita ngayon, effusive eruption,” Bacolcol explained.
The 2023 crisis displaced over 10,000 families, and officials fear a repeat as hazardous pyroclastic density currents (PDCs)—high-speed avalanches of ash and gas—continue to threaten the slopes.
Bacolcol pointed out that a PDC recorded last Saturday reached five kilometers, slightly exceeding the maximum distance observed during the 2023 events.
“Katulad yung 2023, mayroon din tayong paraplastic density current and in fact, yung pinakamahaba at the time is umabot ng 4 kilometers. Mas mahaba bahagya, umabot ng 5 kilometers yung PDC natin noong Sabado,” he added.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect following a significant lava dome collapse on May 2, which blanketed portions of Guinobatan and Camalig in thick ash.
While current activity is categorized as “effusive,” PHIVOLCS remains vigilant for signs of escalation, such as increased sulfur dioxide emissions, ground swelling, or more violent explosions.
Local government reports indicate that roughly 6,000 households have already been impacted by the recent ashfall and volcanic tremors, prompting continued enforcement of the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.