Mayon spews giant ash column
ABS-CBN News
MANILA – (UPDATE) The Mayon Volcano shot what appeared to be a huge ash column on Monday, the second in over a week and as authorities braced for a possible “hazardous eruption.”
Some 27,000 people have been evacuated around the volcano that is renowned for its perfect cone.
The alert level was raised to level 4, one notch below the highest warning. This indicates a “vulcanian eruption” is ongoing.
Alert level 3 was raised over the volcano on Jan. 14. It is the third highest in a five-step warning system.
Mayon draws thousands of tourists, even during minor eruptions, rises 2,460 metres (8,070 feet) above a largely agricultural region some 330 kilometres southwest of Manila.
It is considered the nation’s most active volcano.
Steam-driven eruptions and rockfalls began earlier this month, and the crater began glowing soon after, in what Phivolcs said was a sign of the growth of a new lava dome.
News Philippines 