In a report by the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, three volcanoes in the Luzon, Negros-Sulu, and Eastern arcs in the Philippines are categorized as having ongoing volcanic activity: Kanlaon, Mayon, and Taal. Taal became active in April 2024, followed by Kanlaon in October, while Mayon began showing volcanic activity on January 6, 2026.

These Holocene volcanoes lie very near the Pacific’s ring of fire, of which forty or so volcanoes in various other countries are also registering high volcanic activity.

Seismologists are focused on Mayon. Philvocs has placed Mayon under Alert 3, indicating intensified unrest with observable magmatic activity. As of May 4, a glow from the crater is visible to the naked eye, suggesting ongoing volcanic activity. Lava effusion and lava flow have been detected in the Basud, Bonga (3.2 km), and Mi-isi (1.6 km) gullies, 3.8 km, 3.2 km, and 1.6 km from the crater, respectively. Five volcanic earthquakes, including four volcanic tremors, were detected, each lasting 1-3 minutes. Philvocs also recorded 411 rockfall and 4 pyroclastic density current signals.

Mayon continues to emit sulfur dioxide-laden smoke plumes, estimated at about 1,829 tons per day. Though still considered moderate, these plumes affect visibility in surrounding areas, particularly in the west-southwest portions of the volcano.

What’s interesting is that experts noticed ground deformations, including short-term deflation of the volcanic edifice and short-term inflation on the northeastern flank, suggesting that what’s happening is just a precursor to a possible major eruption anytime soon.

Authorities have barred entry into the six-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone. The Civil Aviation Board has prohibited any aircraft from approaching the volcano. Experts expect rockfalls, landslides, ballistic fragments erupting from the volcano’s vent, lava flows, and lava fountaining. Lahars are also expected during heavy, prolonged rainfall.