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Heightened Seismic Activity Detected At Mayon Volcano; Public Urged To Heed Safety Warnings
Mayon Volcano
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported increased seismic activity at Mayon Volcano on Saturday, September 6, 2025, raising concerns over possible steam-driven eruptions.
From midnight until 5:30 p.m. today, the Mayon Volcano Network recorded 26 volcanic earthquakes, ranging in strength from magnitude 0.4 to 2.7. Most of these tremors originated 5 to 10 kilometers beneath the volcano’s northeastern flank.
Scientists noted that Mayon has shown gradual swelling in different sectors over the past year, with deformation recorded in the northeast since October 2024 and in the south to southwest sectors since March 2025. While sulfur dioxide emissions have largely remained at background levels—averaging 430 tonnes per day this year—the latest readings taken on September 3 showed a slightly higher output of 609 tonnes per day.
According to PHIVOLCS, the combined increase in seismicity and ground deformation suggests that magma intrusion may be occurring beneath the volcano. This raises the likelihood of phreatic, or steam-driven, eruptions at the crater.
Despite these developments, Mayon remains at Alert Level 1, which means the volcano is in an abnormal state but no magmatic eruption is imminent. Authorities nonetheless strongly warn the public against entering the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), where sudden explosions, rockfalls, landslides, and short pyroclastic flows pose serious threats.
Communities near lahar-prone rivers and streams are also advised to remain alert, especially during heavy rains, while civil aviation authorities have been instructed to warn pilots against flying close to Mayon’s summit due to the risk of ash and debris.
PHIVOLCS assured that it continues to monitor Mayon closely and will provide updates should conditions change.
From midnight until 5:30 p.m. today, the Mayon Volcano Network recorded 26 volcanic earthquakes, ranging in strength from magnitude 0.4 to 2.7. Most of these tremors originated 5 to 10 kilometers beneath the volcano’s northeastern flank.
Scientists noted that Mayon has shown gradual swelling in different sectors over the past year, with deformation recorded in the northeast since October 2024 and in the south to southwest sectors since March 2025. While sulfur dioxide emissions have largely remained at background levels—averaging 430 tonnes per day this year—the latest readings taken on September 3 showed a slightly higher output of 609 tonnes per day.
According to PHIVOLCS, the combined increase in seismicity and ground deformation suggests that magma intrusion may be occurring beneath the volcano. This raises the likelihood of phreatic, or steam-driven, eruptions at the crater.
Despite these developments, Mayon remains at Alert Level 1, which means the volcano is in an abnormal state but no magmatic eruption is imminent. Authorities nonetheless strongly warn the public against entering the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), where sudden explosions, rockfalls, landslides, and short pyroclastic flows pose serious threats.
Communities near lahar-prone rivers and streams are also advised to remain alert, especially during heavy rains, while civil aviation authorities have been instructed to warn pilots against flying close to Mayon’s summit due to the risk of ash and debris.
PHIVOLCS assured that it continues to monitor Mayon closely and will provide updates should conditions change.
Sep 6, 2025
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