Mayon Volcano activity persists as Philippines records hundreds of rockfalls

Volcanic activity at the Philippines' iconic Mayon Volcano remains elevated, with scientists reporting hundreds of rockfall events and continued lava flow over the weekend. The sustained unrest has prompted authorities to maintain strict safety measures around one of the country's most active volcanoes.

Current Volcanic Activity

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Sunday that 256 rockfall events were recorded at Mayon Volcano. According to local media, the volcano also generated 41 pyroclastic density currents, while sulfur dioxide emissions measured 777 metric tons on Saturday. Ground deformation data indicates the volcano remains "swollen or inflated," a sign of persistent magma movement beneath the surface. Moderate steam plumes were observed rising approximately 200 meters from the summit.

Official Alert and Restrictions

Mayon Volcano has been under Alert Level 3 since January 6, indicating a relatively high level of volcanic unrest. Authorities continue to enforce a strict ban on entry into the Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the volcano due to ongoing threats from rockfalls, avalanches, and potential explosive eruptions. The volcano, known for its near-perfect cone shape, has erupted more than 50 times over the past five centuries, with its last significant eruption in 2018 displacing thousands of residents.

Separate Landfill Tragedy

In unrelated but concurrent disaster news, the death toll from a landfill collapse in Cebu City has risen to six. Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the local disaster council, confirmed the recovery of two additional bodies on Sunday. Rescue operations continue for approximately 30 individuals still missing after the private landfill facility collapsed on Thursday afternoon. Search teams face challenging conditions including heavy rainfall, hazardous debris, and potential methane gas exposure as they work to locate trapped workers.