Philippines volcano eruption forces thousands to evacuate

Seismologists said they recorded at least one volcanic earthquake in the past 24 hours and witnessed large amounts of red-hot rock falling from Mount Mayon.

More than 12,800 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters, mostly from farming villages near the mountain.

Mayon volcano peak seen from Bonga city, Albay province, Philippines, June 10.

"There is a health risk from inhaling sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ash particles near the volcano," Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a press conference today.

Mount Mayon, about 330 kilometers southeast of the capital Manila, is considered one of the most unstable of the Philippines' 24 active volcanoes.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said hot rocks were being continuously ejected from the crater, raining down on areas up to two kilometers away, and sulfur dioxide levels had tripled on June 10.

Philippine authorities have raised the alert level from level 2 to 3 on a five-level scale. Experts have warned that the risk of respiratory infections is high if people inhale volcanic ash or smoke.

Mayon Volcano from afar

"Albay is under a state of calamity due to the Mayon volcano activity, we remind all residents to follow the recommendations and evacuation instructions from local authorities," Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common in the Philippines due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

Five years ago, Mayon volcano also forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate after spewing millions of tons of ash, rock and lava.

According to VnExpress