Philippines’ most active volcano spews ash on villages

The Philippines’ most active volcano erupted, covering the surrounding villages with ash.

About 52 villages around the Mayon Volcano in Albay province, 330 kilometers southeast of Manila, were affected, PNA news agency reported Sunday, citing officials.

Lava also began flowing down the mountainside.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that public rockfalls, landslides or avalanches, lava flows and fountains as well as medium-sized eruptions are possible.

It was emphasized that the permanent danger zone with a radius of 6 km around the 2463-meter volcano, known for its perfect cone shape, must be strictly adhered to.

About 32 volcanic earthquakes were reported in 24 hours, including 25 volcanic tremors, Phivolcs said.

Mayon’s most violent eruption occurred in 1814; More than 1,200 people died and a town was buried in volcanic mud.

79 people died in the explosion in 1993.