Mayon Volcano erupts spewing ash plumes two miles into the sky

| Senior Live News reporter Published October 30, 2026 8:16am Updated October 30, 2026 8:44am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A volcano known for its perfect cone shape blasted hot ash into the sky after erupting in the Philippines. The Mayon Volcano erupted shortly before midday local time today, sending a giant mushroom cloud above the popular tourist attraction. The ‘moderately explosive’ eruption lasted for almost six minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Footage shows a cloud of ash billowing from the crater towering at 8,000 ft in Bicol, Albay province, within a UNESCO-designated nature reserve. Mayon volcano has erupted in the Philippines south of the capital Manila in the Albay province (Picture: Xinhua/Shutterstock) The alert level was raised to three due to risk of lava flows bursting out from parts of the crater in the coming days or weeks. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. A permanent danger zone should be set up and residents evacuated within a 3.7-mile radius, Phivolcs warned. Pilots have also been told to avoid flying over the volcano. The institute said: ‘It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards. Mayon Volcano, the most active in the Philippines, erupted again today (Picture: AFP/Getty Images) ‘Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised. ‘Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano.’ Mayon is a popular tourist destination due to its even cone-shaped crater. The volcano is a sacred site in ancient Philippine mythology. Volcanoes in the Philippines The Philippines is dotted with 24 active volcanoes, and the country sits on the Pacific ‘ring of fire.’ It flanks the horseshoe-shaped zone known for frequent seismic activity and destructive eruptions across the Pacific Ocean. The country is located between tectonic plates – the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, increasing the risk of underwater earthquakes and activity. Mayon Volcano is known to be the most active, while Taal Volcano and Mount Pinatubo have also erupted. Previously, Mayon erupted on January 6 this year, a seismic event that is still ongoing. Mount Pinatubo was responsible for one of the largest eruptions of the entire 20th century when it exploded in 1991. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.