The near-perfect cone of Mayon Volcano provided a stark visual reminder of its volatility Saturday night, as short-lived lava fountaining erupted from its summit crater. The event, captured by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), marks a dramatic moment in what has become a grueling, months-long period of volcanic unrest in Albay.
The fountaining occurred at 7:38 p.m. On May 9, 2026, according to reports from the PHIVOLCS Quick Response Team. While the activity was brief, it underscores the persistent instability of the volcano, which has now been in a state of effusive eruption for 126 consecutive days.
Sped-up camera footage shows short-lived lava fountaining at the summit crater of Mayon Volcano at 07:38 PM yesterday, 09 May 2026, captured by the PHIVOLCS Quick Response Team. Effusive eruption at Mayon Volcano continues on its 126th consecutive day, producing… pic.twitter.com/xYz1kOYfFpsG
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) May 9, 2026
Currently maintained at Alert Level 3, Mayon is characterized by “intensified unrest” or “magmatic unrest.” This status indicates that a hazardous eruption is possible, with the volcano continuing to discharge incandescent lava flows and pyroclastic density currents—locally known as uson—along with frequent rockfalls.
Monitoring the Flow: Gullies and Seismic Shifts
The eruption is not limited to the summit. PHIVOLCS has observed active lava flows descending through three primary gullies: the Basud (3.8 km), Bonga (3.2 km) and Mi-isi (1.6 km). This movement of molten rock, combined with episodic minor Strombolian activity recorded between Saturday and Sunday, suggests a steady movement of magma toward the surface.
Seismic monitoring reveals a volcano under significant internal pressure. On Saturday alone, 11 volcanic earthquakes were recorded, including three volcanic tremors that lasted between 15 and 133 minutes. These tremors are often indicative of the movement of magma or volcanic gases within the conduit.
The atmospheric impact is equally evident. PHIVOLCS reported that approximately 2,443 tonnes of sulfur dioxide were emitted on Saturday. Moderate plumes, reaching heights of 200 meters above the crater, were observed drifting in westerly and west-southwesterly directions, potentially affecting air quality in downwind communities.
Saturday Activity Summary
| Metric | Recorded Volume/Count |
|---|---|
| Rockfalls | 313 |
| Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) | 12 |
| Volcanic Earthquakes | 11 |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Emissions | 2,443 tonnes |
| Plume Height | 200 meters |
The Danger Zone and Public Safety
With the volcano showing no signs of immediate subsidence, authorities have reiterated a strict prohibition on entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). The risk in this area is multifaceted; beyond the obvious threat of lava flows, the volcano can produce ballistic fragments—large rocks ejected violently from the crater—that can travel significant distances.
PHIVOLCS has also issued warnings against flying any aircraft close to the volcano to avoid engine damage from volcanic ash or sudden explosive activity. For those living on the periphery of the PDZ, the threat of lahars—destructive mudflows composed of volcanic debris and water—remains a critical concern, particularly during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall common in the region.
The current hazards identified by monitoring teams include:
- Pyroclastic Density Currents: High-speed avalanches of hot gas and rock.
- Ballistic Fragments: Projectiles ejected during explosions.
- Lava Fountaining and Flows: Molten rock destroying everything in its path.
- Lahars: Mudflows triggered by rain on volcanic slopes.
Residents and local government units are encouraged to stay tuned to official bulletins from PHIVOLCS for real-time updates and evacuation orders.
As the eruption enters its fifth month, the focus remains on the stability of the summit and the potential for a shift in alert levels. PHIVOLCS continues to monitor the crater glow, which remains visible to the naked eye, as a primary indicator of the magma’s proximity to the surface. The next critical checkpoint will be the upcoming weekly summary report, which will determine if the current unrest is stabilizing or escalating toward a more violent eruptive phase.
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