According to news articles, the National Disaster Coordinating Council in Manila estimated that 100,000 people still remained in shelters from typhoon Durian that struck on 30 November and triggered lahars down Mayon's flanks. An estimated 1,200 people are dead or missing. Media sources on 9 December reported that approximately 15,000 people from 12 villages were evacuated from areas around Mayon (in Albay province) in anticipation of more lahars following another typhoon. On 11 December, reports indicated that the second typhoon, Utor, had passed Albay without triggering lahars.

Geological Summary. Symmetrical Mayon, which rises above the Albay Gulf NW of Legazpi City, is the most active volcano of the Philippines. The steep upper slopes are capped by a small summit crater. Recorded eruptions since 1616 CE range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer periods of andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic density currents and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often damaged populated lowland areas. A violent eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns.

Sources: Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press, Associated Press