Thousands evacuated in Philippines as volcano threatens to erupt
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Thousands of people living near the Philippines' most active volcano began leaving their homes as lava trickled down its slopes and authorities warned of a dangerous eruption.
Mayon, a volcano famed in equal parts for its near-perfect cone and brutal volatility, had begun to stir again with magma rising to the top and small earthquakes rattling deep inside, authorities said.
“A hazardous eruption is possible within weeks,” said the director of the state volcanology agency, Renato Solidum.
Residents within an eight-kilometre radius will be forcibly evacuated, said regional civil defence director Bernardo Alejandro.
He said authorities expect to evacuate almost all of the 50,000 people in the danger zone – a picturesque coconut farming area near the Pacific coast – within three days.
