Mayon Volcano in Albay, Philippines, experienced a moderately explosive eruption at 11:53 a.m. local time on October 30, 2026, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). An ash plume rose 3,000 metres above the summit crater, prompting officials to raise the volcano’s alert status from Level 2 to Level 3. PHIVOLCS recommended evacuating the permanent danger zone within six kilometres of the volcano. Official PHIVOLCS bulletin, October 30 at 12:30 p.m.
What happened at Mayon?
The explosive event produced a dense ash column that drifted west-southwest. PHIVOLCS warned of possible ashfall in Daraga, Guinobatan and nearby Albay communities. The reported 3,000-metre height is measured above the crater, not above sea level.
Why did PHIVOLCS raise Alert Level 3?
The agency identified a new phase of magmatic eruption with an increased chance of lava flows and potentially deadly pyroclastic density currents affecting upper and middle slopes over the following days or weeks. Level 3 denotes heightened volcanic danger; it does not mean all these potential impacts have already happened.
Six-kilometre evacuation recommendation
PHIVOLCS recommended evacuating the six-kilometre-radius Permanent Danger Zone because of the risks from pyroclastic currents, lava, rockfalls and related activity. It also warned of potential lahars and sediment-laden flows along channels draining the volcano. Aviation authorities were advised to warn pilots to avoid flying close to the summit due to airborne volcanic ash.
Confirmed events versus forecast hazards
The October 30 eruption, ash plume and Level 3 upgrade are confirmed in the source bulletin. Further lava activity, pyroclastic flows and ashfall remain hazards to monitor. The official bulletin used here does not provide confirmed numbers of deaths, damaged buildings or completed evacuations; none are claimed in this report.
How to stay informed
Residents should follow PHIVOLCS and Albay local disaster-management instructions, stay outside restricted areas and check updated bulletins. Learn more in EarthSentra’s guides to types of volcanic eruptions and active volcanoes worldwide.
Official sources
- PHIVOLCS Mayon bulletin, October 30, 2026
- PHIVOLCS Volcano Alert Level definitions
- GMA News, October 30: eruption and warning
Reporting on the October 30, 2026 eruption. Volcano conditions can change; consult the latest PHIVOLCS updates.
