Philippine volcano Mount Mayon explodes, authorities raise alert level
Mount Mayon ejects huge column of volcanic fragments, ash and steam into the sky, shrouding nearby villages in darkness
The Philippines’ most active volcano ejected a huge column of lava fragments, ash and smoke in a thunderous explosion on Monday, sending of villagers back to evacuation centres and prompting a warning that a violent eruption may be imminent.
The midday explosion sent superheated lava, molten rocks and steam 3.5 to 5km (2 to 3 miles) into the sky, then some cascaded down Mount Mayon’s slopes and shrouded nearby villages in darkness, Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology said.
From the crater, the deadly debris billowed about 3km (1.8 miles) down the southern plank of Mayon toward a no-entry danger zone. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.
The explosion was the most powerful since the volcano started acting up more than a week ago.
Because of its relatively gentle eruption last week, thousands left emergency shelters and returned to their communities in Legazpi city outside the danger zone. But Monday’s blast sent nearly 12,000 fleeing back to evacuation centres, raising the number of people in those shelters to more than 30,000, said Office of Civil Defence regional director Claudio Yucot.
Authorities raised the alert level to four on a scale of five, which means an explosive eruption is possible within hours or days. A danger zone around Mayon was expanded to 8km (5 miles) from the crater, which means thousands of villagers will have to leave their homes, officials said.
