Risk of volcanic eruption – thousands evacuated

TT

Published 08.19

 

Mayon volcano spews ash on Saturday. Picture taken in Camalig in the Philippine province of Albay. Photo: Christian Añonuevo Lorilla/AP/TT

The Philippine volcano Mayon spews ash. Thousands of people are evacuated.

Activity in Mayon, the Philippines' most active volcano, is increasing. On Sunday, around 1,500 households were evacuated in anticipation of a feared imminent eruption.

The country's volcanology and seismology center Phivolcs reports "intensified seismic instability" with lava flows moving through several tunnels. In recent hours, dozens of volcanic tremors have been recorded, with prolonged shaking and rockfalls.

The alert level is at three, meaning a major volcanic eruption is believed to be imminent. Several communities have already been affected by ashfall.

The Philippines lies along the so-called Ring of Fire, an area of ​​intense seismic and volcanic activity.