MANILA – The effusive eruption of Mayon volcano continues for the 63rd consecutive day on Monday (March 9, 2026), but there is nothing unusual about this, said the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

An effusive eruption can last weeks or even months as long as magma continues to reach the surface, Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

He noted that in 2023, the effusive eruption of the Mayón volcano lasted six months, or from June to December.

He clarified, however, that while continuous effusive rash is normal, that does not mean it is not dangerous.

“It still generates lava flows, rockfalls, PDCs (pyroclastic density currents) and volcanic hazard,” he said.

Compared to the explosive eruption, Bacolcol explained that the effusive eruption is more predictable since it moves slowly.

“That is why we did not raise the alert level of the volcano despite the continuous effusive eruption, because the observed activity is within the expected behavior and confined within the permanent danger zone,” he said.

An effusive eruption involves the gentle release of lava. A disruptive or explosive eruption, on the other hand, involves a sudden and forceful expulsion of ash, gas and rocks.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs also reported minor Strombolian activity at the Mayon volcano on Monday.

Strombolian activity, according to Bacolcol, is a brief explosive burst caused by gas escaping from magma. It can spew lava fragments and produce small columns of ash.

“This activity typically lasts seconds to minutes, and its effects can include falling lava fragments near the summit, short ash plumes, and minor ash falls,” he said.

The head of Phivolcs added that not all active volcanoes show Strombolian activity, as this depends on the type of magma and how the gas escapes. (ANP)