MAYON VOLCANO ADVISORY

04 February 2026

07:00 PM

This is a notice of increased volcanic SO₂ emission from Mayon Volcano.

As effusive eruption at Mayon Volcano continues for the 29^th consecutive day with no significant changes in overall surface activity, an increasing trend in volcanic SO₂ degassing has been measured by campaign spectrometry methods this February 2026. Volcanic SO₂ flux today averaged 6,569 tonnes/day, the highest emission recorded in the past 15 years. The running average for the current month has increased to 5,503 tonnes/day from that of January 2026 which averaged 2,571 tonnes/day. This increase has occurred without similar increases in the rate of rockfall and pyroclastic density current or PDC (uson) activity or other indications of a rise in the rates of lava eruption at the summit crater. Strong degassing from the summit with aseismic ash emission was also visually observed during the day.  Rising volcanic SO₂ concentrations, albeit for a relatively short period of time, could forewarn of new intrusions into the Mayon edifice that could lead to further eruptive activity.

DOST-PHIVOLCS would like to remind the public that Mayon Volcano is at Alert Level 3 as effusive eruption at the summit continues, but the chances of lava fountaining or moderately explosive eruption occurring has risen once again. This means that while ongoing lava effusion continues to generate new lava flows and collapse-fed rockfall and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) or uson onto the southern and eastern upper slopes, potential lava fountaining or moderate explosions could generate similar lava flows, PDCs and rockfall on all sectors of the volcano. The public should refrain from entering the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the danger posed by these and other volcanic hazards. Residents within the 8-kilometer radius must also be prepared for evacuation in case monitoring parameters suddenly escalate and the volcano status is stepped up to Alert Level 4. Increased vigilance and pre-emptive response actions against lahars and sediment-laden streamflow along channels draining the edifice are also advised as prolonged heavy rains over Albay Province could occur with the passage of Tropical Depression “Basyang.” Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.

DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Mayon Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.

DOST-PHIVOLCS