Code Blue Alert raised in Albay following Mayon Volcano eruption

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The Provincial Health Office of Albay has raised its alert status to Code Blue following the eruption of Mayon Volcano, the Albay Public Information Office (PIO) announced on Friday.

In a memorandum issued on October 30, 2026, Provincial Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Karl Hegel Ante ordered the alert to be raised from Code White to Code Blue to ensure the province's readiness for potential volcanic activity of Mayon and to address the impact of its moderately explosive eruption.

“Nangangahulugan ang Code Blue Alert ng mobilisasyon ng 50% ng mga resources ng mga ahensiya bilang karagdagang suporta sa kanilang regular na operasyon,” the Albay PIO said.

(A Code Blue Alert entails the mobilization of 50 percent of agency resources to augment regular operations.)

“Ang pagtataas ng Code Blue Alert mula sa Code White Alert ay upang matiyak ang kahandaan ng mga pasilidad at agarang pagtugon sa mga posibleng pangangailangang medikal ng mga maaapektuhang komunidad,” it added.

(Raising the alert from Code White to Code Blue ensures facility readiness and a prompt response to the medical needs of affected communities.)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) placed Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3 after recording a moderately explosive eruption at around 11:53 a.m.

As of 5 p.m. on Friday, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office said 746 families, or 2,041 individuals, were evacuated.

Under Code Blue, the following local units were directed to implement their preparedness and response plan:

• All municipal and district hospitals
• Provincial Hospital
• City health offices and rural health units
• Albay Provincial Health and Emergency Management Staff (HEMS); and
• Local DRRM-H manager

“Bilang bahagi ng direktiba, kailangang ng 24/7 na Health Emergency Operations Center (OpCen), tiyakin ang sapat na suplay ng mga gamot at iba pang logistical requirements, at ihanda ang mga standby Emergency Response Team na maaaring agad i-deploy kung kinakailangan,” Albay PIO said.

(As part of the directive, Health Emergency Operations Centers must operate 24/7, ensure adequate supplies of medicine and logistical equipment, and prepare standby Emergency Response Teams for immediate deployment if needed.)

Preparations also include conducting Rapid Health Assessments at evacuation centers and providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance.

Preparations are also underway to provide medical and public health services, nutrition support, as well as mental health and psychosocial support for affected residents.

PHIVOLCS and the local government of Albay earlier urged the public to take safety precautions, including wearing face masks, staying vigilant regarding Mayon's status, and evacuating the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone. —VAL, GMA News