Recorded eruptions[edit]

Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting over 47 times in the past 500
years.[11] Historical observations accounted its first eruption in 1616.[12] The first eruption for which an
extended account exists was the six-day event of July 20, 1766.[13][14]

1814 eruption[edit]

An old photograph of the Cagsawa ruins with the façade still standing. The church was largely destroyed during
the 1814 eruption of Mayon. Only the bell tower exists today.

Its most destructive recorded eruption occurred on February 1, 1814 (VEI=4).[12][15] Lava flowed but less
than the 1766 eruption. The volcano belched dark ash and eventually bombarded the town
of Cagsawa with tephra that buried it.[12][15] Trees burned, and rivers were certainly damaged.
Proximate areas were also devastated by the eruption, with ash accumulating to in depth. In Cagsawa
town, about 1,200 locals perished in what is considered to be the most lethal eruption in Mayon's
history according to PHIVOLCS.[12][15] The eruption is believed to have contributed to the accumulation
of atmospheric ash together with the catastrophic 1815 eruption of other volcanoes like
Indonesia's Mount Tambora, leading to the Year Without a Summer in 1816.[citation needed]

1881–1882 eruption[edit]
From July 6, 1881, until approximately August 1882, Mayon underwent a strong (VEI=3)
eruption. Samuel Kneeland, a naturalist, professor and geologist, personally observed the volcanic
activity on Christmas Day, 1881, about five months after the start of the activity:
At the date of my visit, the volcano had poured out, for five months continuously, a stream of lava on
the Legaspi side from the very summit. The viscid mass bubbled quietly but grandly, and overran the
border of the crater, descending several hundred feet in a glowing wave, like red-hot iron. Gradually,
fading as the upper surface cooled, it changed to a thousand sparkling rills among the crevices, and,
as it passed beyond the line of complete vision behind the woods near the base, the fires twinkled like
stars or the scintillations of a dying conflagration. More than half of the mountain height was thus
illuminated.[16]

1897 eruption[edit]
Mount Mayon erupting on July 21, 1928

Mayon's longest uninterrupted eruption occurred on June 23, 1897 (VEI=4), which rained fire for seven
days. Lava once again flowed down to civilization. Eleven kilometers (7 miles) eastward, the village
of Bacacay was buried 15 m (49 ft) beneath the lava. In Santo Domingo 100 people were killed by
steam and falling debris or hot rocks. Other villages like San Roque, Sta. Misericordia and Santo Niño
became deathtraps. Ash was carried in black clouds as far as 160 kilometres (99 mi) from the
catastrophic event, which killed more than 400 people.[10]

The eruption on September 23, 1984

1984 and 1993 eruptions[edit]

No casualties were recorded from the 1984 eruption after more than 73,000 people were evacuated
from the danger zones as recommended by PHIVOLCS scientists.[17] But in 1993, pyroclastic
flows killed 79[12] people, mainly farmers, during the eruption[18] that also forced 50,000 residents
evacuated, according to the Albay provincial government.[15]

1999 eruption[edit]
Mayon began its increasing activity in May 1999, with hazard status associated raised to Alert Level
1.[19][20] On June 22, 1999, Mayon emitted an ash column that rose to approximately 10 km above the
vent; the status was later raised to Alert Level 2.[15][19][20] The emission was recorded by the seismic
network of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as an explosion that lasted for 10
minutes. No volcanic earthquakes nor other visible signs of abnormal activity were observed before
the explosion.[citation needed]

2000 eruptions[edit]
Mayon had experienced continuous emissions since 1999 and followed by a series of eruptions in the
next two consecutive years.[15]
On January 5, 2000, a 5-km-high ash column was produced by an explosion. Growth of summit-crater
dome and intensifying eruptions later signaled evacuations.[19]
Past emissions had led to the growth of the lava dome beginning February 12.[20][21] On February 23,
series of eruptions began.[21][22] PHIVOLCS then recommended evacuation even beyond permanent
danger zone.[20] On February 24, PHIVOLCS raised its status to the highest, Alert Level 5, with at least
eight towns and one city warned of possible explosions with ash and lava flows, and several thousands
forced to evacuate even outside identified danger zones.[12][20][22][23] The most violent eruptions were
occurred from February 28 to March 1, and since then, declining activity was observed until April.[21][22]
NDCC reported that the 2000 eruption displaced 14,114 families (68,426 persons) and damaged at
least ₱89-million worth of property and crops.[15]
2001 eruption[edit]
NDCC reported that another eruption in 2001 affected 11,529 families (56,853 persons) and damaged
at least ₱48-million worth of property and crops.[15]

2006 eruptions[edit]

Mayon in satellite image

Mayon's 48th modern-era eruption was on July 13, 2006, followed by quiet effusion of lava that started
on July 14, 2006.[14][24] Nearly 40,000 people were evacuated from the 8-kilometre (5.0 mi) danger zone
on the southeast flank of the volcano.[25]
After an ash explosion of September 1, 2006, a general decline in the overall activity of Mayon was
established. The decrease in key parameters such as seismicity, sulfur dioxide emission rates and
ground inflation all indicated a waning condition. The slowdown in the eruptive activity was also evident
from the decrease in intensity of crater glow and the diminishing volume of lava extruded from the
summit. PHILVOLCS Alert Level 4 was lowered to Level 3 on September 11, 2006; to Level 2 on
October 3, 2006; and to Level 1 on October 25, 2006.[26]

2008 eruption[edit]
On August 10, 2008, a small summit explosion ejected ash 200 metres (660 ft) above the summit,
which drifted east-northeast. In the weeks prior to the eruption,[14] a visible glow increased within the
crater and increased seismicity.[27]

2009–2010 eruption[edit]
On July 10, 2009, PHIVOLCS raised the status from Alert Level 1 (low level unrest) to Alert Level 2
(moderate unrest) because the number of recorded low frequency volcanic earthquakes rose to the
same level as those prior to the 2008 phreatic explosion.[28][29]
At 5:32 a.m. on October 28, 2009, a minor ash explosion lasting for about one minute occurred in the
summit crater. A brown ash column rose about 600 metres (2,000 ft) above the crater and drifted
northeast. In the prior 24 hours, 13 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. Steam emission was at
moderate level, creeping downslope toward the southwest. PHIVOLCS maintained the Alert Status at
Level 2, but later warned that with the approach of tropical cyclone international codename Mirinae,
the danger of lahars and possible crater wall collapse would greatly increase and all specified
precautions should be taken.[30]
At 1:58 am on November 11, 2009, a minor ash explosion occurred at the summit crater lasting for
about three minutes. This was recorded by the seismic network as an explosion-type earthquake with
rumbling sounds. Incandescent rock fragments at the upper slope were observed in nearby barangays.
Ash column was not observed because of cloud cover. After dawn, field investigation showed ashfall
had drifted southwest of the volcano. In the 24-hour period, the seismic network recorded 20 volcanic
earthquakes. Alert Status was kept at Level 2 indicating the current state of unrest could lead to more
ash explosion or eventually to hazardous magmatic eruption.[31]

Mayon with ash explosion at dawn on December 18, 2009

At 8 pm on December 14, 2009, after 83 volcanic quakes in the preceding 24 hours [32] and increased
sulfur dioxide emissions, PHIVOLCS raised the Alert status to Level 3.[33]
Early in the morning of December 15, 2009, a moderate ash explosion occurred at the summit crater
and "quiet extrusion of lava" resulted in flows down to about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the
summit.[34] By evening, Albay Province authorities evacuated about 20,000 residents out of the 8-
kilometre (5.0 mi) danger zone and into local evacuation centres. About 50,000 people live within the
8-kilometre (5.0 mi) zone.[35][36]
On December 17, 2009, five ash ejections occurred, with one reaching 500 metres (1,600 ft) above
the summit. Sulfur dioxide emission increased to 2,758 tonnes per 24 hours, lava flows reached down
to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) below the summit, and incandescent fragments from the lava pile
continuously rolling down Bonga Gully reached a distance of 3–4 km below the summit. By midday, a
total of 33,833 people from 7,103 families had been evacuated, 72 percent of the total number of
people that needed to be evacuated, according to Albay Governor Joey Salceda.[37]
On December 20, 2009, PHIVOLCS raised Mayon's status level to alert level 4 because of an
increasing lava flow in the southern portion of the volcano and an increase in sulfur dioxide emission
to 750 tonnes per day. Almost 460 earthquakes in the volcano were monitored. In the border of the
danger zone, rumbling sounds like thunder were heard. Over 9,000 families (44,394 people) were
evacuated by the Philippine government from the base of the volcano.[38] No civilian was permitted
within the 8 km danger zone, which was cordoned off by the Philippine military who actively patrolled
to enforce the "no-go" rule and to ensure no damage or loss of property of those evacuated.[39]

Mayon erupting on December 29, 2009.

Alert level 4 was maintained as the volcano remained restive through December, prompting affected
residents to spend Christmas and the New Year in evacuation centers.[40] On December 25, sulfur
dioxide emissions peaked at 8,993 tons per day.[41][42] On December 28, PHIVOLCS director Renato
Solidum commented on the status of the volcano, "You might think it is taking a break but the volcano
is still swelling."[39] On the next day December 29, a civil aviation warning for the airspace near the
summit was included in the volcano bulletins.[43] The ejected volcanic material since the start of the
eruption was estimated to have been between 20 million to 23 million cubic meters of rocks and
volcanic debris, compared to 50 million to 60 million cubic meters in past eruptions.[44]
On January 2, 2010, PHIVOLCS lowered the alert level of the volcano from level 4 to level 3, citing
decreasing activity observed over the prior four days.[45] The state agency noted the absence of ash
ejections and relative weakness of steam emissions and the gradual decrease in sulfur dioxide
emissions from a maximum of 8,993 tonnes per day to 2,621 tonnes per day.[42] 7,218 families within
the 7–8 km danger zones returned to their homes, while 2,728 families residing in the 4–6 km danger
zone remained in the evacuation centers pending a decision to further lower the alert level.[46]
On January 13, 2010, PHIVOLCS reduced the Alert Level from 3 to 2 due to a further reduction in the
likelihood of hazardous eruption.[47]
Government response[edit]

Map showing major volcanoes of the Philippines

Albay governor Joey Salceda declared the disaster zone an 'open city' area to encourage aid from
external groups. Potential donors of relief goods were not required to secure clearance from the
Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, and were coordinated directly with support groups at the
local government level.[48]
The restiveness of the volcano also stimulated the tourism industry of the province. Up to 2,400 tourists
per day arrived in the area in the two weeks after the volcano started erupting on December 14, filling
local hotels, compared to a more modest average of 200 in the days prior. However it was reported
that some tourists lured by local "guides" ignored government warnings not to venture into the 8-
kilometre (5.0 mi) danger zone. "It's a big problem. I think the first violation of the zero casualty (record)
will be a dead tourist," said Salceda.[49]
Speaking about thrill-seekers finding their way into the area, Salceda warned, "At the moment of the
eruption, the local guides will have better chance of getting out. The helpless tourist will be left
behind."[49]
International response[edit]
Following the declaration of alert level 3 for the volcano, the United States issued an advisory
cautioning its nationals from traveling to Mayon. Canada and the United Kingdom also posted
advisories discouraging their nationals from visiting the volcano.[50]
The United States government committed $100,000 in financial aid for the evacuees of Mayon. In
cooperation with the Philippine government the assistance was delivered through the Philippine
National Red Cross and other NGOs by USAID.[51]
The Albay provincial government ordered the local military to add more checkpoints, place roadblocks
and arrest tourists caught traveling inside the 8-kilometre (5.0 mi) danger zone.[52]
Power and water supply were cut off within the danger zone to further discourage residents from
returning. The Commission on Human Rights allowed the use of emergency measures and gave the
authorities clearance to forcibly evacuate residents who refused to leave.[53]
When the alert level around the volcano was lowered from alert level 4 to alert level 3 on January 2,
2010, the Albay provincial government ordered a decampment of some 47,000 displaced residents
from the evacuation centers.[54] Power and water supply in the danger zones were restored.[40] Military
vehicles were used to transport the evacuees back to their homes, while food supplies and temporary
employment through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were provided to
the heads of each family.[54][55] As of January 3, 2010, the National Disaster Coordinating
Council reported the overall cost of humanitarian aid and other assistance provided by the government
and non-government organizations (NGOs) has reached over 61 million pesos since the start of the
eruption.[56]
The United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) delivered 20 tons of high energy biscuits to
the evacuees to complement supplies provided by the DSWD, with more allocated from emergency
food stocks intended for relief from the effects of the 2009 Pacific typhoon season.[57] When the alert
level was downgraded to level 3 on January 2, 2010, UN-WFP provided three days worth of food for
evacuees returning to their homes who will continue to receive supplies already set aside for them.[45]

2013 phreatic eruption[edit]

Mount Mayon in 2013.

On May 7, 2013, at 8 a.m. (PST), the volcano produced a surprise phreatic eruption lasting 73
seconds. Ash, steam and rock were produced during this eruption. Ash clouds reached 500 meters
above the volcano's summit and drifted west southwest.[58] The event killed five climbers, of whom
three were German, one was a Spaniard living in Germany,[59][60] and one was a Filipino tour guide.
Seven others were reported injured.[61][62] The bodies of the hikers were soon located by the
authorities.[63] However, due to rugged and slippery terrain, the hikers' remains were slowly transferred
from Camp 2 to Camp 1, the site of the rescue operations at the foot of the volcano. According to Dr.
Butch Rivera of Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, the hikers died due to trauma in their
bodies, and suffocation.[64] Authorities were also able to rescue a Thai national who was unable to walk
due to fatigue and had suffered a broken arm and burns on the neck and back.[65] Despite the eruption,
the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology stated that the alert level would remain at
0.[62] No volcanic earthquake activity was detected in the 24 hours prior to the eruption, and no
indication of further intensification of volcanic activity was observed.[66] and no evacuation was being
planned.[67]
International response[edit]
The government of the United Kingdom advised its nationals to follow the advisories given by the local
authorities, and respect the 6 km permanent danger zone.[68] The advisory was given a day after the
May 7, 2013 phreatic explosion.[69]

2014 renewed activity[edit]

On August 12, 2014, a new 30m-50m high lava dome appeared in the summit crater. This event was
preceded by inflations of the volcano (measured by precise leveling, tilt data, and GPS), and increases
in sulfur dioxide gas emissions.[70] On September 14, 2014, rockfall events at the southeastern rim of
the crater and heightened seismic activity caused PHIVOLCS to increase the alert level for Mayon
from 2 to 3, which indicates relatively high unrest with magma at the crater, and that hazardous
eruption is possible within weeks.[71]
The rockfalls and visible incandescence of the crater from molten lava and hot volcanic gas both
indicated a possible incipient breaching of the growing summit lava dome.[citation needed] On September 15,
2014, NASA's Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) detected thermal anomalies
near Mayon's summit, consistent with magma at the surface.[72] On September 16, 2014, provincial
governor Joey Salceda said that the government would begin to "fast-track the preparation to
evacuate 12,000 families in the 6–8 km extended danger zone", and soldiers would enforce the no-go
areas.[73]
On September 18, 2014, PHIVOLCS reported 142 VT earthquake events and 251 rockfall events.
White steam plumes drifted to the south-southwest and rain clouds covered the summit. Sulfur
dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at a 757 tonnes after a peak of 2,360 tonnes on September 6.
Ground deformation (precise leveling and tilt meters) during the 3rd week of August 2014 recorded
edifice inflation.[74]
2018 activity[edit]

Mount Mayon erupting in the early morning of January 23, 2018.

On January 13, 2018, at 4:21 PM (PST), a phreatic eruption occurred that propelled a grayish steam
and ash plume approximately 2500 meters high that drifted to the southwest side of the volcano. The
activity lasted approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes and traces of ash fell in Barangay Anoling, Daraga,
Barangays Sua, Quirangay, Tumpa, Ilawod and Salugan of Camalig and in Barangays Tandarora,
Maninila, and Travesia in Guinobatan. Sulfuric odor was noted by residents of Camalig town proper.
Rumbling sounds were also heard by residents of Brgy. Anoling, Daraga and rockfall events were
intermittently recorded. Faint crater glow was first observed at 10:16 PM. The event prompted
PHIVOLCS-DOST to raise the Alert Level of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert
Level 2 (increasing unrest).[75] About 40,000 residents were displaced in the resulting evacuation.[76]
On January 14, 2018, Mayon Volcano's alert status was upgraded to Alert Level 3 (increased tendency
towards a hazardous eruption) after 3 phreatic eruptions and 158 rockfall events were recorded. The
summit crater also exhibited a bright glow signifying the growth of a new lava dome and the start of
lava flows towards its slopes.[77][78]
On January 16, 2018, the province of Albay declared a state of calamity as lava flows reached the
limits of the 6 kilometer evacuation zone.[79]
On January 22, 2018, Alert Level 4 was raised after Mayon spewed a 3 kilometer tall ash column at
around 12:45 PM. Classes in all levels in private and public schools were suspended in the whole
province of Albay. By evening, lava fountains were spewed from the crater with pyroclastic flows and
ash plumes. Lava bombs and rockfalls could also be observed and rumbling sounds from the eruptions
could be heard. The eruption type was classified as a Strombolian eruption.[80]
On January 23, 2018, Mayon spewed 300 to 500 meter lava fountains and ash plumes with a 4 to 5
hour interval. Lava bombs and rockfalls could also be observed and sounds from the volcano could
be heard. Classes in all levels, both public and private were still suspended, work in some places were
suspended as well. The danger zone was expanded up to 9 kilometers despite remaining at Alert
Level 4 and residents from the expanded danger zone were evacuated.[81]
On January 24, 2018, column of ashes and lava fountains were spewed again with an interval of 4 to
5 hours. Fire bombs and rockfalls could also be observed and sounds from the eruptions could be
heard. Classes remained suspended in some places in Albay.[citation needed]
On January 25, 2018, column of ashes and lava fountains were spewed again. Fire bombs and
rockfalls could also be observed and sounds from the eruptions could be heard. The eruptions had an
interval of 3 to 5 hours. Classes still remained suspended in some places in Albay.
Alert Level 4 was maintained at the volcano for the rest of January and all throughout the month of
February as it remained restive. On March 6, 2018, after observing a decline in volcanic activity,
PHIVOLCS-DOST downgraded the alert level back to Alert Level 3. On March 29, 2018, after
observing a further decline in activity, PHIVOLCS-DOST lowered the alert level back to Alert Level 2
signifying the end of Mayon's eruptive activity and the volcano's decline to a moderate level of unrest.
On December 26, 2018, Mayon caused two phreatic explosions but maintains Alert Level 2.