ALBAY, Philippines — Albay residents are once again on edge after Mayon Volcano was observed releasing lava flows on Tuesday evening, a development that could prompt authorities to raise the alert status to Alert Level 4. The activity was captured through a live stream by afarTV on YouTube, quickly spreading across social media and reigniting public concern over the country’s most active volcano.

According to disaster officials, the appearance of lava flow indicates that magma has reached the surface, signaling an escalation in volcanic unrest. Should Mayon’s activity intensify further—particularly with sustained lava effusion or the threat of explosive eruptions—the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) may elevate the alert level, which would signify a hazardous eruption is imminent. In response, residents within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) are being urged, and in some areas ordered, to evacuate immediately to avoid life-threatening risks such as lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and falling volcanic debris.

While the science behind volcanic monitoring is clear, the human impact of these warnings is deeply complex. For many families living near Mayon, evacuation means leaving behind livelihoods, homes, and a sense of normalcy—sometimes repeatedly within a single year. Yet history has shown that hesitation can be fatal. Mayon’s beauty often masks its danger, and its past eruptions have proven how quickly conditions can turn deadly.

This situation raises broader questions about disaster preparedness and long-term solutions. Are communities near active volcanoes being given enough sustainable options to live safely? Should relocation plans be more aggressively pursued, or is coexistence with Mayon an unavoidable reality for Albay? As authorities weigh whether to raise the alert level, the public is left balancing vigilance with resilience. In the face of a restless volcano, the crucial question remains: how prepared are we—not just to respond to eruptions, but to protect lives before disaster strikes? (Larawan: afarTv / Facebook)