Mayon volcano erupts in Philippines; thousands evacuated, danger zone expanded to 6 km

The volcanology institute issued alert level-3 in its five-step scale as it reported strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining.

The Philippines said on Sunday that thousands of people have evacuated the area south of Manila after Mayon Volcano erupted, and authorities advised the public to stay out of the six-kilometer radius danger zone.

Mayon volcano spews ash as seen from Daraga, Albay province, Philippines on Saturday. (AP)

The volcanology institute issued Alert Level 3 in its five-step scale as it reported “strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining,” from one of the Southeast Asian nation’s most active volcanoes. It warned of landslides and lava flows.

Nearly 1,500 families are now staying in evacuation centers, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Heavy ashfall blanketed several towns in Albay province on Saturday, disrupting traffic, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Mayon Volcano is a famous tourist spot because of its near-perfect conical shape.