Mayon Danger Zone expansion to 7 km considered by authorities after activity

Authorities are studying the possible expansion of the Permanent Danger Zone from 6 to 7 kilometers around Mayon Volcano as a precautionary measure after its increased activity on Saturday. 

This, after communities in Albay, particularly in Guinobatan and Camalig, have been heavily affected by ashfall, according to a report of GMA News' Bea Pinlac on Unang Balita on Monday.

In Barangay Ilawod, Guinobatan, residents rushed to clear thick ash from rooftops and streets, fearing it could harden and accumulate weight that may cause roofs to collapse.

In Camalig, the massive ash emission forced some hotel guests and workers to flee. 

Ashfall reduced visibility to near zero in some areas and covered vehicles, crops, and livestock.

Local officials reported disruptions in water supply, prompting rationing efforts while damaged lines are being repaired.

The agricultural sector has sustained significant losses, with rice and vegetable crops buried in ash just days before harvest. 

Livestock deaths and missing farm animals have also been reported.

According to authorities, more than 100 barangays and nearly 200,000 individuals have been affected by the ashfall. 

Over 4,000 residents have been evacuated so far.

In response, government agencies have intensified clearing operations, deploying additional personnel and fire trucks to remove ash from roads and prevent clogged drainage systems. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) advised that ash must be properly collected and disposed of, rather than simply pushed to the roadside.

Aid has also arrived from nearby provinces Sorsogon and Camarines Sur.

PDCs

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol on Monday said that the strong ash emission on Saturday was caused by the collapse of unstable lava flows from the summit or upper slopes of the volcano, generating PDCs.

“Noong Sabado, nagkaroon ng PDC dahil sa paulit-ulit na pag-collapse ng mainit na lava mula sa summit or upper slope,” Bacolcol said. 

(On Saturday, there was a PDC due to the repeated collapse of hot lava from the summit or upper slope.)

“So dahil tuloy-tuloy ang lava effusion natin, may bahagi ng lava flow na naging unstable at kaya ito bumagsak,” he added. 

(So because our lava effusion is continuous, part of the lava flow became unstable and that’s why it collapsed.)

PDCs may be generated by several mechanisms, including lava flow or dome collapse, explosive eruptions, or the collapse of an eruption column, he said. 

In Saturday’s case, the PDC resulted from lava collapse, he added. 

In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the volcano is currently exhibiting lava effusion, with active lava flows recorded along multiple gullies: Basud (3.8 kilometers), Bonga (3.2 kilometers), and Mi-isi (1.6 kilometers).

A total of five volcanic earthquakes were recorded including four volcanic tremors lasting between one to three minutes. 

PHIVOLCS also recorded 411 rockfall events and four pyroclastic density current signals.

A fair crater glow, visible to the naked eye, was also observed.

Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at 1,829 tonnes per day on May 3.

The volcano emitted a moderate plume that drifted toward the west-southwest, while ground deformation data indicated short-term deflation of the edifice alongside localized inflation on the northeastern flank.

PHIVOLCS reiterated that entry into the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains strictly prohibited due to the risk of sudden hazardous events. 

Authorities also warned against flying aircraft close to the volcano, citing potential dangers from ash and ballistic fragments.

The agency reminded the public of possible hazards that may occur amid the ongoing unrest, including:

• Rockfalls, landslides, or avalanches;
• Ballistic fragments;
• Lava flows and lava fountaining;
• Pyroclastic density currents;
• Moderate-sized explosions; and
• Lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

PHIVOLCS urged local government units and residents to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation and safety protocols as the situation continues to evolve.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday ordered the rapid deployment of government assistance to the communities affected by the ashfall from Mayon Volcano’s unrest, particularly Guinobatan and Camalig in Albay. 

More than 300,000 food and non-food items have already been prepositioned in the Bicol Region following the ashfall brought by Mayon Volcano, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

Classes for Monday, May 4, 2026, have been suspended in some areas due to the effects of the ashfall from Mayon Volcano. —KG, GMA News