BackWORLD
Over 300 families displaced as Mayon Volcano ashfall affects 87 villages in the Philippines
Over 300 families were displaced after clouds of ash from Mayon Volcano spread over 87 villages in three towns. A pyroclastic flow preceded the ash event on May 2, with no deaths or injuries reported, while farms and livestock were damaged and cleanup began in Camalig.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing volcanic risk in a populated area and the disruption to livelihoods, agriculture, and local response efforts.
Timeline
4 Events
May 4, 2026: Official update on casualties and scope
May 4, 2026
On May 4, 2026, officials reported no deaths or injuries from the ashfall. Ash clouds spread over 87 villages in three towns, with roads affected by poor visibility. Mayor Caloy Baldo described the ash as thick and said the situation had calmed, though the volcano’s danger remains according to Teresito Bacolcol.
May 3, 2026: Displacement of over 300 families; ashfall impacts
May 3, 2026
Over 300 families had to leave their homes after large clouds of ash burst from Mayon during the weekend. The ashfall affected 87 villages across three towns, slowing motorists due to poor visibility. Vegetable farms were damaged and four water buffaloes and a cow were reported killed in Camalig; cleanup was underway.
May 2, 2026: Pyroclastic flow from lava collapse
May 2, 2026
Massive lava deposits on Mayon's southwestern slope abruptly cascaded down in a pyroclastic flow before dusk on Saturday, May 2, 2026, sending ash into nearby areas. There was no explosive eruption, and Mayon had been erupting sporadically since January.
January 2026: Alert level raised to Level 3
January 2026
After a string of minor eruptions that produced deadly pyroclastic flows and sporadic rockfalls from Mayon’s top crater, authorities raised the five-step warning around the site to Level 3 in January.