Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is exhibiting increasing signs of unrest, prompting evacuations and raising concerns for thousands living nearby.
The volcano, a nearly perfect cone on Luzon island, has been at Alert Level 3 as january 6, indicating a “high level of volcanic unrest,” according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. It has experienced episodic mild magmatic eruptions.
From Legazpi City, the capital of Albay province, observers can see ash and steam rising from the crater. At night, the summit glows red with molten rock flowing down the slopes.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of approximately 4,000 residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano. Ashfall has already reached Legazpi City and surrounding towns.
“we cannot gamble with lives,” said Tim Florece, public facts officer of Camalig, a town at the base of Mayon. “If the activity increases, the alert level…”
Roderick Mendoza, chief of the albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, also warned of the spreading ashfall.
People are seen at a temporary shelter converted from a school as Mayon Volcano experiences eruptions in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
