Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
At approximately 6:00 PM on May 2, 2026, Mayon Volcano produced a pyroclastic density current (PDC) that rapidly descended the volcano’s slopes and spread ash across a wide area. This footage captures the fast-moving, ground-hugging flow as it travels downslope before dispersing fine ash into surrounding communities.
According to the latest information from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the event was caused by the collapse of lava flow or dome material, generating a PDC that moved along the Mi-isi Gully on the south to southwestern slopes of the volcano. The flow is reported to have traveled up to around 4 kilometers from the crater, depositing ash and volcanic debris over a broad area.
The event occurred during continued Alert Level 3 unrest, with ongoing activity that includes lava extrusion, rockfalls, minor explosive (Strombolian) bursts, and repeated pyroclastic density currents. Ashfall from this event affected nearby communities in Albay, reducing visibility and prompting safety advisories for residents to remain indoors and use protective masks.
Pyroclastic density currents are among the most hazardous volcanic phenomena, consisting of superheated gas, ash, and rock fragments that can move at high speeds and devastate everything in their path. Even after they stop, the deposited ash and debris can later be remobilized by rainfall into lahars.
This event is part of Mayon’s ongoing eruption cycle, where accumulating lava at the summit becomes unstable and repeatedly collapses, generating dangerous downslope flows. Authorities continue to enforce the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, warning that additional PDCs, ash emissions, and other hazards may occur with little warning.
At approximately 6:00 PM on May 2, 2026, Mayon Volcano produced a pyroclastic density current (PDC) that rapidly descended the volcano’s slopes and spread ash across a wide area. This footage captures the fast-moving, ground-hugging flow as it travels downslope before dispersing fine ash into surrounding communities.
According to the latest information from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the event was caused by the collapse of lava flow or dome material, generating a PDC that moved along the Mi-isi Gully on the south to southwestern slopes of the volcano. The flow is reported to have traveled up to around 4 kilometers from the crater, depositing ash and volcanic debris over a broad area.
The event occurred during continued Alert Level 3 unrest, with ongoing activity that includes lava extrusion, rockfalls, minor explosive (Strombolian) bursts, and repeated pyroclastic density currents. Ashfall from this event affected nearby communities in Albay, reducing visibility and prompting safety advisories for residents to remain indoors and use protective masks.
Pyroclastic density currents are among the most hazardous volcanic phenomena, consisting of superheated gas, ash, and rock fragments that can move at high speeds and devastate everything in their path. Even after they stop, the deposited ash and debris can later be remobilized by rainfall into lahars.
This event is part of Mayon’s ongoing eruption cycle, where accumulating lava at the summit becomes unstable and repeatedly collapses, generating dangerous downslope flows. Authorities continue to enforce the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, warning that additional PDCs, ash emissions, and other hazards may occur with little warning.
