Philippines Evacuates Thousands as Mayon Volcano Erupts, Ash Blankets 87 Villages

Key facts

• Mayon volcano erupted on May 2, 2026, with strombolian activity and lava fountaining.
• Alert Level 3 raised on a five-step scale; danger zone set at 6 km radius.
• Nearly 1,500 families sheltering in evacuation centers as of May 3.
• Ashfall affected over 26,600 families across Albay province.
• 87 villages in three towns covered by ash from pyroclastic flow on Saturday.
• Four water buffaloes and one cow killed; vegetable farms damaged in Camalig.
• from the eruption.
• Mayon is the most active of the Philippines' 24 volcanoes.

Ashfall Triggers Mass Evacuations in Albay

More than 300 families have been evacuated after massive amounts of ash billowed from the Mayon volcano over the weekend, officials said Monday. The ash originated from the collapse of lava deposits on the volcano's southwestern slope, which cascaded down in a pyroclastic flow — an avalanche of hot rocks, ash and gas — before nightfall on Saturday. No deaths or injuries were reported, but massive clouds of ash scattered over 87 villages in three towns, catching many by surprise and slowing down motorists due to poor visibility. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol confirmed there was no explosive eruption, but noted that huge lava deposits suddenly gave way.

Authorities Raise Alert Level as Strombolian Activity Continues

The volcanology institute issued Alert Level 3 on its five-step scale, reporting “strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining” from one of the nation’s most active volcanoes. It warned of landslides and lava flows. Alert 5 would indicate an explosive, life-threatening eruption with deadly volcanic lava and pyroclastic flows. Authorities had raised the alert to level 3 in January after a series of mild eruptions that caused intermittent rockfalls, some as big as cars, from the peak crater along with deadly pyroclastic flows. Bacolcol said Monday that the volcano was calm again, but added, “the danger is always there.”

Thousands Displaced, Water and Agriculture Disrupted

Nearly 1,500 families are now staying in evacuation centres, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Heavy ashfall blanketed several towns in Albay province on May 2, disrupting traffic and reducing visibility on national roads. More than 26,600 families across Albay were affected by volcano ashfall, with motorists facing road hazards. Water supply in some areas was temporarily disrupted as resources were diverted to road-clearing operations. Agricultural losses mounted as rice fields nearing harvest were buried under ash. In Camalig town, vegetable farms were damaged and four water buffaloes and a cow were killed. A cleanup was underway in his town of 8,000 people.

Local Officials Urge Calm Amid Panic and Poor Visibility

“The ashfall was just so thick and there was zero visibility even in our national road,” Mayor Caloy Baldo of Camalig town, which lies near the volcano's foothills, said. “Some villagers panicked but we advised them to calm down,” Baldo told The Associated Press. Local police distributed face masks to affected residents in Albay and issued an advisory to limit outdoor exposure. The 2,462-metre-high volcano is one of the Philippines’ top tourism draws because of its near-perfect cone shape, but it is also the most active of the country’s 24 volcanoes. The government has advised the public to stay out of the 6 km radius danger zone.

Mayon's Ongoing Activity and Regional Implications

Mayon has been erupting mildly on and off since January, with intermittent rockfalls and pyroclastic flows. The latest event, while not explosive, demonstrated the persistent hazard posed by the volcano's unstable lava deposits. The pyroclastic flow on Saturday occurred without warning, highlighting the difficulty of predicting such collapses. As cleanup and relief efforts continue, authorities remain vigilant. The alert level may be adjusted depending on further activity. The economic impact on Albay's agriculture and tourism sectors is expected to be significant, though assessments are ongoing.

The bottom line

• Mayon volcano's pyroclastic flow on Saturday triggered ashfall across 87 villages, forcing evacuations of over 300 families.
• Nearly 1,500 families are in evacuation centers; more than 26,600 families affected by ashfall in Albay province.
• Alert Level 3 remains in effect; danger zone of 6 km radius enforced.
• Agricultural damage includes ruined rice fields and livestock deaths; water supply temporarily disrupted.
• No casualties reported, but the volcano's activity continues with strombolian fountaining and potential for further collapses.
• Mayon is the most active of the Philippines' 24 volcanoes and a major tourist attraction, now posing ongoing risks.