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Warning over Philippine volcano Mt Mayon Philippines volcano: Thousands flee as Mayon spews lava
(about 5 hours later)
One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, Mount Mayon, could erupt within weeks, scientists say. Thousands of Filipinos have fled their homes on the northern island of Luzon after the Mount Mayon volcano began to spew lava.
The authorities are forcibly evacuating villagers living within 6km (4 miles) of the crater, about 330km south-east of the capital, Manila.
Residents in the 6-8km zone are also being urged to leave.
Scientists have warned that Mayon could fully erupt within weeks and have raised the alert level to "critical".
A series of small earthquakes and rockfalls had been recorded and magma could now be seen in the crater, local experts said.A series of small earthquakes and rockfalls had been recorded and magma could now be seen in the crater, local experts said.
The alert level has been raised to three on a five-point scale. Evacuations would be ordered, reports said. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement: "Mayon is exhibiting relatively high unrest and that magma is at the crater and that hazardous eruption is possible within weeks."
Mt Mayon last erupted in May 2013, killing four climbers and their guide. The government's chief volcano official told the Associated Press that the volcano was already technically erupting, but there had not yet been an explosion.
Those who died were hit by rocks that rained down on them after the ash blast, local reports said. "Currently, the activity is just lava coming down. If there is an explosion, all sides of the volcano are threatened," said Renato Solidum.
The 2,460-metre (8,070-foot) volcano lies 330km (206 miles) south-east of the capital Manila. Witnesses said molten lava at the top of the crater created a visible glow on Monday night.
Mt Mayon has erupted more than 40 times since records began. The most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns. The number of affected residents ranges from 12,000 to 50,000, according to reports.
It also erupted in late 2009, when tens of thousands of local residents were forced to evacuate as the volcano rumbled back to life. Authorities believe they will be able to clear the area within three days.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the recent activity at the volcano showed "Mayon is exhibiting relatively high unrest and that magma is at the crater and that hazardous eruption is possible within weeks". The 2,460m volcano last erupted in May 2013, killing four climbers and their guide.
With the latest alert, local reports said, no human activity would be allowed within the 6km (4 mile) permanent danger zone around the volcano and residents in the 6-8km zone would be urged to evacuate. Mt Mayon has erupted more than 40 times since records began.
Local disaster officials have also held talks to map out steps to avert casualties, disaster management spokesman Jukes Nunez said. The most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns.