The Philippine authorities have increased the alert status of Mayon Volcano, which is among the most active volcanoes in the country, leading to increased panic among the residents and visitors of Albay Province. When the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) declared the volcano under Alert Level 3 on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, this indicated a greater risk of a dangerous eruption. This has resulted in evacuation warnings in the permanent danger zone and new travel warnings to tourists. To guarantee the safety of people, the state of alert level 3, and making informed choices when travelling to the area, it is important to understand its meaning.
What Alert Level 3 Means for Residents Near Mayon Volcano
The move made by Phivolcs to elevate Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 is a manifestation of a brewing volcanic activity that may result in a very hazardous eruption. According to the experts, in this alert, magmatic intrusion or increased volcano activity could occur with possible lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and ash releases.
The residents need to know the following:
- Compulsory safety areas: Phivolcs highly encourages evacuation within a 6 km radius of the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ)that is most prone to volcanic hazards.
- Better evacuation preparedness: It is believed that resources can enable the local government units to mobilize evacuation centers, preposition relief goods, and emergency response forces.
- Health and livelihood risks: The ashfall may affect the air quality, agriculture and water sources and may be damaging if one is exposed to it, especially children and the elderly.
- Satellite monitoring: The officials are highly alert in monitoring the seismic activities, the released gases and the ground deformation at Mayon Volcano so as to inform the residents at the right time.
People living in the danger zone but a bit outside are also urged to be on the alert and watch official bulletins and pack emergency kits to be able to act in case the level of alert is increased.
Travel Advisory: What Tourists Should Know in 2026
The heightened observatory level of Mayon Volcano also carries serious consequences to the people who intend to visit Albay and its environs. Although the volcano is a significant tourism spot and its near-perfect cone is something many tourists enjoy, the issue of safety now comes first.
The main aspects that should be considered by travelers are:
- Limited entry: Within the danger zone, no one is allowed to do any form of trekking, sightseeing, or any other activities along the slope of the volcano.
- Potential flight and transport delays: The ash emissions can disrupt flights, road networks, and the schedule of local transport.
- Hotel and tour cancellations: Hotel and tour operators can stop their services temporarily as a precaution.
- Keep updated: Phivolcs, local governments, and their respective embassies advise tourists to contact their embassies before traveling and during.
Nevertheless, even with the alarm, the non-hazardous zones are open, and the local community should always remember that being prepared is a crucial step, rather than panicking.
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