Mount Mayon in the Philippines spewed a large volume of pyroclastic material that blanketed 52 villages across various towns in Albay on May 2, The Manila Times reports. The collapse occurred at 05:38 p.m. on the southwestern slopes, sending a plume four kilometres west southwest.

This event marks the strongest effusive eruption since activity began in January 2026. Given Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, the sudden collapse of material poses a severe respiratory risk to the Bicol Region and threatens to paralyse the Maharlika Highway, a critical trade artery.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect and entry into the 6km permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited. Mayon Volcano Observatory officer-in-charge Doreen Abelinde said the volcano remains inflated and evacuees should stay in shelters. Albay Governor Noel Rosal ordered residents to stay indoors and began the release of 250 boxes of masks on May 2.

The ashfall affected 18 barangays in Guinobatan, 17 in Camalig, and 17 in Ligao City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed a full government response to safeguard public health and ensure access to services, The Filipino Times reported on May 3. The Department of Health is currently distributing N95 masks and deploying mobile clinics to the area.

Infrastructure teams have mobilised to keep transport links open. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said road sweepers and loaders are clearing thick layers of ash from highways, on May 3. "Slippery surfaces and accumulated ash posed risks not only to private vehicles but also to emergency responders," said Dizon.

Regional emergency units are now on high alert. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) placed 124 personnel on standby for immediate evacuation support. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has also deployed teams for water spraying and ash clearing. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepositioned food packs for families in evacuation centres.