Manila, May 03 (QNA) - The Philippine authorities announced on Sunday that the Mayon Volcano, the country's most active volcano, has erupted, blanketing surrounding villages in ash.
The Philippine News Agency reported that authorities said approximately 52 villages around the volcano in Albay province, 330 kilometers southeast of Manila, have been affected, and lava has begun flowing down the mountain's slopes.
Authorities have begun preemptive evacuations, particularly in areas within the danger zone.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of the potential for landslides and rockfalls, as well as lava flows, volcanic fountains, and moderate-strength explosions.
Mayon's most violent eruption occurred in 1814, killing more than 1,200 people and burying an entire town under volcanic ash. Another eruption in 1993 killed 79 people. (QNA)