Mayon is at it again. Honestly, if you live in Albay or you've ever stood in awe of that perfect cone, you know the drill. But the Mount Mayon most recent eruption starting in January 2026 feels a bit different. It’s not just a puff of smoke this time. It’s a slow, glowing, and potentially dangerous transformation of the summit that has everyone from local farmers to international volcanologists on high alert.
On January 6, 2026, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) officially bumped the status to Alert Level 3. This wasn't a snap decision. Scientists had been watching the ground swell and the rockfalls multiply for weeks. Basically, the volcano is "restless," which is a polite way of saying there is magma literally pushing its way to the surface.
What’s Actually Happening at the Summit?
The activity we’re seeing right now is what experts call an effusive eruption. It sounds mild, but it’s intense. Instead of one giant explosion that blows the top off, the volcano is oozing fresh lava. This new material is building a "lava dome"—a precarious pile of molten rock at the very tip of the crater.
The problem? That dome is unstable.
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As it grows, pieces break off. When they do, they create Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs). In the Bicol region, locals call these "uson." They are terrifyingly fast clouds of hot ash and gas that scream down the gullies. Since January 1, 2026, PHIVOLCS has logged hundreds of these rockfalls. On January 15 alone, they recorded over 200 rockfall events and 27 PDCs. That is a lot of movement for a mountain that’s supposed to be "still."
The Current Danger Zones
If you’re looking at a map, the action is concentrated on the southern and southeastern flanks. Specifically, the Bonga, Mi-isi, and Basud gullies are the main paths for the lava and debris.
- The 6-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ): This is non-negotiable. If you are inside this circle, you are in the direct path of potential rockfalls and PDCs.
- Aviation Risks: Pilots are being told to steer clear. Ash plumes have been reaching up to 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet). Even a little bit of volcanic ash can shred a jet engine.
- Lahar Threats: This is the new curveball. As of January 16, 2026, Tropical Storm Ada is dumping rain on the region. When heavy rain hits fresh volcanic ash, it creates lahars—basically flowing concrete that can bury entire villages.
Why This Eruption is Testing Albay’s Resilience
It’s easy to look at the photos of the "fair crater glow" at night and think it's just a light show. But for the 3,500+ people already in evacuation centers, it’s a disruption of life. Many of these families are farmers who have to leave their livestock behind.
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Director Teresito Bacolcol of PHIVOLCS hasn't ruled out a more violent, explosive phase. Right now, the sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) levels are actually somewhat low, which is almost more suspicious. It could mean the volcano is "degassed," or it could mean the "plumbing" is temporarily blocked, building up pressure for something bigger.
The 2023-2024 episode lasted for months. It was a marathon of slow lava flows that eventually stretched over 3 kilometers down the Bonga Gully. This 2026 event seems to be following a similar script, but with a higher frequency of PDCs right out of the gate.
Is it Safe to Visit Legazpi?
This is the question every traveler asks. Legazpi City itself is generally outside the immediate danger zone, and the view of the Mount Mayon most recent eruption from the city's Cagsawa Ruins or the Legazpi Boulevard is spectacular, especially at night when the lava glow is visible.
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However, you've got to be smart.
- Check the wind: Ashfall usually drifts toward the south or southwest depending on the season. If the wind shifts, Legazpi can get blanketed in fine, abrasive gray dust.
- Respect the PDZ: Do not try to trek up the volcano. It sounds obvious, but every eruption attracts "disaster tourists" who think they can get a closer look. The PDCs move faster than you can run. Period.
- Watch the weather: With Tropical Storm Ada in the mix, flash floods and lahars are a much bigger threat to roads than the lava itself.
Navigating the Next Few Weeks
We are currently in a "wait and see" phase. Alert Level 3 means a hazardous eruption is possible within days or weeks. It doesn't mean it’s a guarantee, but the "tendency" is definitely pointing up.
If you are in the area or planning to go, keep the PHIVOLCS website bookmarked. They release 24-hour bulletins that are incredibly detailed. Also, listen to the local provincial government of Albay. They have one of the best disaster response systems in the Philippines, but it only works if people follow the evacuation orders.
Actionable Steps for Safety
- Prepare a "Go Bag": If you're anywhere near the 6-km to 8-km radius, have N95 masks ready. Volcanic ash is basically tiny shards of glass; you don't want that in your lungs.
- Seal Your Water: If ashfall starts, cover your water tanks. Ash can make water undrinkable and ruin filtration systems.
- Stay Informed via Radio: During storms like Ada, cell towers can get wonky. A battery-powered radio tuned to local Bicol stations is a lifesaver.
- Monitor the Gullies: If you live near the Mi-isi or Bonga channels, move to higher ground the moment heavy rain starts, even if the volcano seems "quiet" that day.
The Mount Mayon most recent eruption is a reminder that the "perfect cone" is a living, breathing thing. It’s beautiful, sure, but it demands respect. Whether this ends in a quiet cooling of the lava or a massive explosive event, the next few weeks will be a defining moment for the Bicol region in 2026.
To stay safe, prioritize official PHIVOLCS updates over viral social media posts. The situation on the ground changes hourly, especially with the added complication of the current tropical storm.