Major eruption possible as lava gushes ‘like a fountain’ down Philippine volcano Mount Mayon
Nearly 15,000 people have fled the danger zone within seven kilometres, and the institute strongly advised people not to re-enter the area.
Glowing-red lava spurted in a fountain and flowed down the Philippines’ most active volcano on Tuesday in a stunning display of its fury that has sent more than 21,000 villagers fleeing to safety and prompted police to set up checkpoints to stop tourists from getting too close.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the lava flowed as much as 2km from the often cloud-shrouded crater of Mount Mayon, while ash fell on several villages in northeastern Albay province.
Officials strongly advised people not to venture into a danger zone about 6-7km around Mayon, including residents who want to check their homes, farms and animals, and tourists seeking a closer view.
“They say it’s beauty juxtaposed with danger,” Office of Civil Defence regional director Claudio Yucot said.
At least 21,800 people have been displaced by Mayon’s eruption since the weekend, including more than 16,800 villagers who took shelter in 22 schools, Yucot said by telephone. Others took refuge in the homes of relatives.
“We have witnessed lava fountaining yesterday, that’s why we have additional families who evacuated due to the threat,” said Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman of the government’s main disaster-response agency.