Authorities in the Philippines have raised the alert level at Mayon Volcano and ordered mass evacuations in Albay province after a series of mild but sustained eruptions, prompting governments worldwide to issue updated travel advisories for the affected region.

With thousands of residents already moved to emergency shelters and a six kilometer danger zone strictly enforced, travelers are being urged to reconsider plans to visit areas around one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks.

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Alert Level Raised as Quiet Eruption Intensifies

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) increased Mayon’s alert status to Level 3 on its five step scale on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, signaling what experts describe as an ongoing magmatic eruption at the summit.

A Level 3 alert indicates that magma is actively rising and that hazardous eruptions are possible in the coming days or weeks, though not yet at the scale of a major explosive event.

Volcanologists report that a lava dome has formed and is growing at the crater, with lava swelling and cracking the summit.

Repeated collapses of this unstable dome have triggered frequent rockfalls, some reportedly as large as small vehicles, and generated hot pyroclastic density currents on the upper to middle slopes.

Since January 1, PHIVOLCS has recorded hundreds of rockfall events along with volcanic earthquakes, underscoring the volcano’s heightened state of unrest.

Officials emphasize that although the current activity is classified as relatively quiet compared with past explosive eruptions, it still meets the criteria for an eruption.

Ash emissions, incandescent rockfalls, and the possibility of sudden dome collapses or stronger explosions present a serious threat to anyone within the designated danger zone, as well as to communities downslope along drainage channels that could funnel volcanic debris and lahars.

Mass Evacuations Underway Around Mayon

The escalation to Alert Level 3 has set off a major evacuation operation in Albay province, where Mayon’s nearly perfect cone dominates the landscape and supports numerous farming and tourism livelihoods.

Local officials report that close to 3,000 people have already been moved out of the permanent danger zone at the volcano’s foothills, with more expected to follow if activity intensifies.

Troops, police, and local disaster response teams have been deployed to assist residents leaving high risk villages.

Entire communities within the six kilometer radius around the crater are subject to mandatory evacuation orders, and authorities have set up evacuation centers in schools, gymnasiums, and public buildings in nearby towns and cities such as Legazpi, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, and Tabaco.

Many of those displaced are farmers and informal settlers who have long lived or worked inside the designated danger zone, despite a permanent ban on residential occupation in the area.

Some families are leaving behind crops, livestock, and small businesses, adding an economic dimension to the humanitarian response.

Local governments are coordinating food, water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter, with national agencies placing regional offices on full alert to support extended evacuations should the unrest continue for weeks or months.

Travel Disruptions and Warnings for Visitors

Mayon’s renewed activity is already reverberating through the tourism sector in Albay and the broader Bicol region, which has marketed the volcano as a marquee attraction for domestic and international visitors.

Tour operators have suspended climbing expeditions, ATV rides on the lower slopes, and many guided viewing tours that normally bring travelers into close proximity with the mountain.

Authorities have ordered a strict no entry policy within the six kilometer permanent danger zone, barring not only residents but any form of tourism, outdoor recreation, or commercial activity.

Hiking, sightseeing near the crater, and agricultural work are all prohibited for the time being.

Officials are also advising visitors to avoid non essential travel to communities located just outside the danger zone, especially along river valleys that could be affected by pyroclastic flows, rockfalls, or lahars if rains remobilize volcanic debris.

Several foreign embassies are expected to update their travel advisories to reflect the heightened risk around Mayon. Travelers who have planned trips to Albay for the coming days are being urged to stay in close contact with airlines, hotels, and tour providers, and to monitor advisories from Philippine authorities.

While major transport links to the region remain open, flight operations may be adjusted if ash clouds increase or if aviation regulators expand no fly restrictions around the volcano’s summit.

Impact on Local Communities and Tourism Economy

The unfolding situation presents a difficult dilemma for communities that rely on Mayon for their livelihoods.

The volcano draws visitors with its dramatic silhouette, panoramic viewpoints, and easy access from Legazpi City, supporting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, guides, and souvenir vendors.

At the same time, frequent eruptions require periodic evacuations that disrupt economic activity and strain local resources.

Business owners downstream from the mountain report cancellations of group tours and school excursions, along with a sharp drop in walk in visitors.

Some establishments that normally offer rooftop or lakeside views of Mayon have shifted their messaging from promotional to cautionary, reminding guests to follow official guidance and to treat the ongoing eruption as a serious safety issue rather than a spectacle.

For farmers, the situation is equally complex. Volcanic soils around Mayon are highly fertile, encouraging people to cultivate land on its lower slopes despite well known risks.

Current evacuation orders mean that crops and livestock may be left unattended, and fresh ashfall could affect plantations in a wider area if prevailing winds change.

Local and national agencies are preparing to provide food packs, cash aid, and long term assistance for affected families, but the interruption to livelihoods could last far longer than the initial emergency phase.

No Fly Zones and Aviation Considerations

Alongside ground based restrictions, aviation authorities have instructed pilots to avoid flying close to Mayon’s summit as a precaution against sudden ash emissions.

Even modest ash bursts can pose a significant hazard to aircraft engines and instruments, and flight corridors near active volcanoes are routinely adjusted when alert levels rise.

While there have been no widespread flight cancellations so far, operators serving Legazpi and neighboring airports are monitoring advisories in real time.

Depending on wind direction, ash plumes can drift beyond the immediate vicinity of the volcano, occasionally affecting visibility and air quality.

Airlines are expected to prioritize safety and may reroute or delay flights if ash levels increase, especially during periods of intensified eruptive activity.

For travelers, this means building flexibility into travel plans. Those with time sensitive itineraries involving connections through Manila or onward international flights should be prepared for potential schedule changes if the crisis escalates.

Purchasing travel insurance that covers natural disasters, and staying in regular contact with carriers, can help mitigate some of the uncertainty tied to flying near an active eruption.

Safety Guidance for Travelers in the Region

Officials stress that Albay and much of the Bicol region remain accessible, but they are urging travelers to observe strict safety measures.

The most important instruction is to respect the six kilometer permanent danger zone and any additional buffer areas that local governments may declare off limits.

Entering these zones to capture dramatic photos or to witness eruptions firsthand puts both visitors and potential rescuers at risk.

Travelers currently staying in Legazpi City or nearby towns are advised to familiarize themselves with local emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and shelter locations.

Hotels and resorts are coordinating closely with disaster management offices to provide guests with up to date information and guidance should ashfall, earthquakes, or sirens occur during their stay.

Health experts also remind visitors to prepare basic protective items, such as masks and eye protection, especially if forecasts indicate light ashfall in populated areas.

Volcanic ash can irritate the respiratory system and eyes, and those with pre existing conditions such as asthma should be particularly cautious.

Bottled water, flashlights, and essential medications should be kept readily available in case of power interruptions or short notice evacuations.

Historical Context: Mayon’s Long Record of Eruptions

Mayon is widely regarded as the most active of the Philippines’ 22 volcanoes, with more than 50 recorded eruptions over the past four centuries. Its activity has shaped both the physical landscape and the collective memory of communities living around its base.

Among the most infamous events was an early 19th century eruption that buried entire settlements under lava and ash, killing more than a thousand people and leaving ruins that today serve as a stark memorial to the volcano’s power.

In recent decades, advances in monitoring technology and disaster preparedness have significantly reduced casualties. PHIVOLCS maintains a dense network of instruments on and around Mayon, tracking seismic activity, ground deformation, gas emissions, and visual changes at the crater.

These tools, coupled with regular communication between scientists and local officials, have enabled earlier warnings and more orderly evacuations compared with many historical eruptions.

Despite these improvements, the current episode highlights enduring challenges. Many residents remain economically tied to land inside or just beyond hazard zones, while demand for close up volcanic tourism can pressure guides and operators to push boundaries.

The present unrest serves as another reminder that Mayon’s beauty is inseparable from its volatility, and that traveler demand must be balanced with respect for scientific guidance and local safety protocols.

FAQ

Q1: Is it safe to travel to the Philippines right now?
Travel to the Philippines as a whole remains open, but trips to areas near Mayon Volcano in Albay province require caution. Travelers should avoid the designated danger zones and follow advisories from Philippine authorities and their own governments when planning itineraries.

Q2: Which areas around Mayon Volcano are currently off limits?
The six kilometer radius permanent danger zone around Mayon’s crater is under strict no entry rules for residents, workers, and tourists. Additional buffer areas just outside this zone may also face movement restrictions or preemptive evacuations depending on how the situation evolves.

Q3: Are flights to Legazpi and the Bicol region affected?
As of now, major airports remain operational, but flight schedules may change if ash emissions increase or if aviation authorities expand no fly zones around Mayon. Travelers should monitor airline updates and allow extra time for possible delays or rerouting.

Q4: I already booked a tour to see Mayon. What should I do?
Contact your tour operator or travel agent immediately to confirm whether your activities fall within restricted areas. Most reputable providers have suspended excursions that enter or approach the danger zone, and many are offering rebooking options or alternative itineraries away from high risk locations.

Q5: What precautions should I take if I am already in Albay?
Stay informed through local authorities and your accommodation, respect all exclusion zones, and be prepared to follow evacuation instructions quickly. Keep essential items like water, medications, masks, and a flashlight within easy reach, and avoid attempting to approach the volcano for sightseeing.

Q6: How serious is an Alert Level 3 classification?
Alert Level 3 indicates a magmatic eruption is ongoing with increased chances of hazardous lava flows, rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents. It is not yet the highest alert, but authorities treat this level as a clear signal that people should be evacuated from high risk zones and that conditions can change rapidly.

Q7: Could ash from Mayon affect other parts of the Philippines?
Light ashfall is usually confined to areas near the volcano, depending on wind direction and the strength of eruptions. However, under certain conditions, ash can travel farther and temporarily affect air quality and visibility in a wider region. Travelers should monitor local weather and advisory updates during periods of heightened activity.

Q8: Is travel insurance recommended for trips to the region?
Yes. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase insurance that specifically covers natural disasters and trip disruptions caused by volcanic eruptions. Policies differ widely, so it is important to confirm what is covered, including cancellations, delays, medical care, and emergency evacuation.

Q9: Are popular tourist sites outside the danger zone still operating?
Many attractions, hotels, and restaurants in Legazpi City and other towns outside the permanent danger zone continue to operate, although some may adjust hours or services based on local conditions. Visitors should check directly with establishments and be prepared for rapid changes as authorities reassess risks.

Q10: How can travelers stay updated on the situation at Mayon?
Travelers should follow announcements from Philippine disaster management agencies, local government units in Albay, and their own foreign ministries. Regularly checking with airlines, accommodations, and tour operators will also provide practical, on the ground updates about closures, restrictions, and safety measures.