Philippines says thousands evacuated as Mayon volcano erupts

MANILA – The Philippines said on May 3 that thousands of people have evacuated the area south of Manila after the Mayon volcano erupted, and the authorities have advised the public to stay out of the 6km radius danger zone.

The volcanology institute issued alert Level 3 on its five-step scale, as it reported “strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining” from one of the nation’s most active volcanoes. It warned of landslides and lava flows.

Nearly 1,500 families are now staying in evacuation centres, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Heavy ashfall blanketed several towns in Albay province on May 2, disrupting traffic, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported. More than 26,600 families across Albay were affected by volcano ashfall, with motorists facing road hazards because of reduced visibility.

Water supply in some areas was temporarily disrupted as resources were diverted to road-clearing operations.

Some ashfall also caused agricultural loss after rice fields nearing harvest were buried.

Local police distributed face masks to affected residents in Albay and issued an advisory to limit outdoor exposure.

Mayon is a famous tourist spot because of its near-perfect conical shape. BLOOMBERG