Volcanic eruption in Philippines

Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupted on May 2.

The eruption involved pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), which are dangerous avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris triggered by the collapse of lava deposits on its slopes. These flows moved rapidly down the volcano’s southwestern sector, particularly through the Mi-isi gully, reducing visibility and forcing vehicles to stop.

The eruption also produced thick ash plumes that darkened the skies and blanketed towns across Albay, affecting visibility, damaging crops, and disrupting daily life. In some areas, the ashfall was so dense that the sky turned black in the middle of the day. Between 1,500 and 5,400 people were evacuated, depending on the area, with some reports noting that more than 300 families were displaced due to ashfall alone. Up to 195,000 residents across more than 120 villages were affected, with damage to farms, livestock deaths, and widespread cleanup efforts underway.

Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and avoid the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone, as pyroclastic flows could occur without warning. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines also restricted airspace near Manila due to volcanic ash, which could severely damage aircraft engines and navigation systems. Airlines were advised to avoid affected zones until conditions improved.

Mayon remained under Alert Level 3 following the eruption, indicating continued volcanic unrest and the possibility of further eruptive activity.