ALBAY, Philippines — Authorities have ordered the pre-emptive evacuation of 729 families living within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano on January 6, 2026, following the escalation of the volcano’s alert status to Alert Level 3.

The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) said the move was prompted by the increasing threat of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as “uson,” caused by ongoing lava dome collapse at the summit. These fast-moving, superheated flows of ash, gas, and rocks pose a deadly risk to communities near the volcano, often leaving little to no time for escape once triggered.

According to APSEMO, the affected families come from several local government units: 312 families from Tabaco City, 287 from Malilipot, 100 from Camalig, 25 from Ligao City, four from Guinobatan, and one from Daraga. Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) personnel have been deployed to assist local governments in relocating residents to designated evacuation centers and maintaining order during the transfer.

Officials reiterated the strict prohibition against entering the 6-kilometer PDZ, warning of possible sudden explosions, rockfalls, and intense ash and lava flows. While pre-emptive evacuation disrupts daily life—forcing families to leave homes, livelihoods, and livestock—it is widely regarded as a necessary sacrifice to prevent loss of life.

This recurring scenario highlights a long-standing reality in Albay: living beside one of the world’s most active volcanoes demands constant readiness and difficult decisions. While local governments have improved disaster response over the years, repeated evacuations also raise concerns about long-term solutions for communities repeatedly placed in harm’s way. As Mayon once again reminds residents of its power, the question remains: beyond evacuation, how can authorities and communities build lasting resilience so that safety does not always come at the cost of displacement? (Larawan: PRO5 / Facebook)