Officials said Thursday more than 30,000 people have been evacuated so far from the danger zone around the Mayon volcano in Albay province on central Luzon island. Many residents are reluctant to leave their farms during the current harvest time.
The local government has ordered soldiers to move the remaining families out of the danger zone.
News reports from the region say burning rocks and mud erupted as high as 500 meters from the volcano Wednesday, and hot lava is trickling down its slopes.
Scientists say two domes formed from the rising magma could plug the volcano and cause a sudden huge explosion.
Mayon is the most active of 22 volcanos across the Philippine islands. It has erupted nearly 50 times since record-keeping began. Its last eruption was in 2006.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
News
Threat of Philippine Volcano Eruption Forces Evacuation
update
Philippine authorities order evacuation of some 50,000 residents from villages near Mayon volcano that is threatening a major eruption.
