Mayon Volcano had 338 rockfalls, 72 PDCs —PHIVOLCS

Mayon Volcano in Albay logged 338 rockfall events in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Saturday.

A total of 72 pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were also recorded, from 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday.

A lava dome and lava flow effusion were also seen at the volcano, which remains at Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest).

A crater glow could be seen with the naked eye, PHIVOLCS added.

#MayonVolcano pic.twitter.com/62dt0w1TeV

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 16, 2026

On Saturday, the volcano emitted 4,970 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, and plumes were also observed though obscured.

PHIVOLCS said Mayon Volcano poses possible hazards such as:

• rockfalls or landslides or avalanches;
• ballistic fragments;
• lava flows and lava fountaining;
• PDCs; 
• moderate-sized explosions; and
• lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) should not be allowed, PHIVOLCS said.

It also cautioned the public on entering the Extended Danger Zone.

PHIVOLCS recommends avoiding flying aircraft close to the volcano. 

The Office of Civil Defense on Friday said more precautions are needed in Albay due to the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano and Tropical Storm Ada (international name: Nokaen).

"Given the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay, additional measures are needed, as Tropical Storm 'Ada' may exacerbate the emergency situation in the province," Civil Defense Administrator and Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said Friday night.

"Various government agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense, have conducted Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments and activated preparedness measures in anticipation of the tropical cyclone's impact. Local government units in affected areas have been alerted to implement necessary actions immediately," he added.

"Everyone is advised to take precautions. Mag-ingat po ang lahat (Take precautions, everyone)," Cabreros said.

On Friday, PHIVOLCS recorded increased seismic energy and volcanic gas release from Mayon Volcano. 

PHIVOLCS said that three out of the volcano’s 16 stations recorded a spike in real-time seismic energy release (RSAM) between Thursday and Friday despite a lack of volcanic earthquake activity.

“This increase was induced by an increase in the rate of rockfall and pyroclastic density current or PDC (uson) activity which is an indication of a rise in the rates of lava effusion at the summit crater of Mayon,” the advisory read. —KG, GMA Integrated News