The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday, January 6, raised Mayon Volcano’s alert status from Level 2 to Alert Level 3, signaling an increased likelihood of a hazardous eruption.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said that since the volcano’s alert was elevated to Level 2 on January 1, repeated collapses of the unstable summit lava dome have triggered a surge in rockfall events. “DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3,” the agency said.

“This means that Mayon is exhibiting magmatic eruption of the summit lava dome, with increased chances of lava flows and hazardous pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally called uson, affecting the upper to middle slopes of the volcano, and of potential explosive activity within days or weeks,” it added.

From January 1 to January 6, Phivolcs recorded 346 rockfalls and four volcanic earthquakes, compared to 599 rockfall events reported from November to December 2025. These rockfalls, lasting between one to five minutes, transported lava debris up to one kilometer down the southern upper slopes of the volcano.

On January 5, Phivolcs noted increased incandescence from the summit dome, indicating accelerated dome growth and the extrusion of new lava at the crater.

At 12:26 p.m. on January 6, pyroclastic density currents were observed in the Bonga Gully (southeast), extending up to two kilometers from the crater.

With these developments, Phivolcs warned of potential lava flows, PDCs, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards within the upper to middle slopes. Residents were advised to evacuate the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Authorities also cautioned about possible lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the volcano, while pilots were advised to avoid the summit due to the risk of ash affecting aircraft.

Based on prevailing winds, Phivolcs said ash fall is most likely on the southern side of Mayon Volcano.