Active Volcano in the Philippines Affects Thousands; ADRA Initiates Assessment

Heightened volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano continues to impact communities across the province of Albay, displacing thousands of residents and prompting ongoing emergency response efforts from government and humanitarian groups.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon Volcano’s alert status to Level 3 in early January after signs of a magmatic eruption were observed, including lava flow, rockfalls, and volcanic tremors. The volcano, considered the most active in the Philippines, has remained under close monitoring as eruptive activity persists into recent months.

Authorities have enforced a strict six-kilometer permanent danger zone as ashfall and pyroclastic density currents continue to threaten nearby communities. Several towns, including Camalig and Guinobatan, have reported ashfall affecting dozens of villages, prompting residents to remain indoors and take precautionary measures.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 964 families, equivalent to 3,515 individuals, have been affected across multiple municipalities in Albay. Most of these families have been evacuated to designated shelters, while others have sought temporary refuge with relatives. Earlier reports also indicated that nearly 3,000 residents were forced to leave their homes as volcanic activity intensified, highlighting the scale of disruption caused by the unrest.

Among those affected are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church living within the impacted communities. In Southern Luzon, where the Bicol region is located, the Adventist Church has seen steady growth, reaching more than 24,000 members in 2025. The region also recently marked a milestone as the Adventist Church celebrated 100 years of mission and ministry, underscoring a long-standing presence in the community now facing the effects of the volcanic unrest. Local church leaders continue to coordinate with members to ensure their safety and well-being as evacuations and restrictions remain in place.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has initiated an assessment of the situation to identify immediate needs and determine appropriate interventions. ADRA is coordinating closely with Adventist Community Services (ACS) leaders in the Bicol region to assess conditions on the ground and determine how best to respond to the needs of affected families. The collaboration aims to ensure that assistance is timely, appropriate, and responsive to the most urgent concerns of the communities.

As communities in Albay face uncertainty, faith-based organizations and humanitarian groups continue to mobilize resources, offering both practical support and hope to families affected by the ongoing volcanic unrest.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.