The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted, triggering the evacuation of dozens of nearby villages, authorities said Sunday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) posted an alert warning of a “high level of magmatic activity,” reporting lava flows that extend several kilometers.
Phivolcs raised the alert to Level 3 and ordered strict observance of a permanent danger zone within a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius of the crater. It also warned that rockfalls, avalanches and moderate explosions were possible, and recorded 32 volcanic earthquakes in the preceding 24 hours.
The PNA news agency reported that falling ash has affected about 52 villages around Mayon, which lies roughly 330 kilometers (205 miles) southeast of Manila. The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Standing 2,463 meters (8,007 feet) tall, Mayon is the country’s most active volcano. Its most deadly eruption occurred in 1814, killing more than 1,200 people; an eruption in 1993 killed 79. Mayon is also a major tourist attraction known for its near-perfect cone shape.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse