MAYON ERUPTS: ASHFALL BLANKETS 52 ALBAY VILLAGES
Increased volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano on May 2, 2026, triggered significant ashfall across Albay province, complicating the ongoing Alert Level 3 status. The event was sparked by a lava flow collapse-fed pyroclastic density current (PDC) that traveled down the Mi-isi Gully, generating a massive ash plume that impacted at least 52 barangays.
Regional Impact and Visibility
The most severe conditions were recorded in the municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, where near-zero visibility forced motorists to halt travel along the Maharlika Highway. In Camalig, ashfall reached the town center and heavily affected the barangays of Tumpa and Quirangay. Guinobatan residents reported ash accumulation of up to three inches, particularly in the agricultural areas of Travesia and Maninila. Light to moderate ashfall also reached portions of Ligao City and Oas, carried by west-southwest winds.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of Health (DOH) immediately distributed N95 masks to prevent respiratory issues, as the fine volcanic particles pose a significant risk to those with pre-existing conditions. Following the PDC event, over 1,000 residents from the high-risk zones in Guinobatan were moved to temporary shelters. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) began road-flushing operations late Saturday night to clear thick ash deposits that made road surfaces dangerously slick.
Safety Guidelines
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to enforce the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Residents are advised to:
Stay Indoors: Keep doors and windows closed to prevent ash from entering homes.
Protect Water Sources: Cover open wells and water containers to avoid contamination.
Safe Driving: Use extreme caution on ash-covered roads, as traction is significantly reduced.
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