Surreal: Mayon Volcano Lava Dome Producing Incandescent Rockfalls Above Legazpi City, Philippines

This pre-dawn timelapse captures Mayon Volcano in the early hours of January 11, 2026, during an ongoing eruptive phase marked by summit lava dome activity, rockfalls, and intermittent pyroclastic density currents.

According to the DOST-PHIVOLCS, a pronounced increase in real-time seismic energy release (RSAM) was recorded starting January 11 by six of sixteen monitoring stations at Mayon. This increase was driven by background volcanic tremor, with no discrete volcanic earthquakes detected—likely reflecting fully open vent conditions as the volcano continues an effusive eruption.

PHIVOLCS reports no corresponding increase in ground deformation, although Mayon has exhibited non-uniform inflation of its eastern sector since June 2024, based on continuous GPS, electronic tilt, and EDM data. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions remain near background levels, averaging ~777 tonnes per day yesterday. While RSAM levels have since begun to decrease, PHIVOLCS notes that this episode may forewarn of new magma intrusions that could lead to further eruptive activity.

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3, with an active summit lava dome continuing to generate lava flows, collapse-fed rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs or uson), primarily affecting the southern and eastern upper slopes.

⚠️ Safety Advisory
The public is strongly advised to stay out of the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. Residents within an 8-kilometer radius should be prepared for possible evacuation should activity escalate to Alert Level 4. Increased vigilance for lahars and sediment-laden streamflows is also recommended during periods of heavy rainfall. Aviation authorities advise pilots to avoid flying near the summit due to the risk of ash from sudden eruptions.

This timelapse is presented for documentation, public awareness, and educational purposes, highlighting subtle but significant volcanic processes occurring at Mayon during the hours before sunrise.