Sunday, August 06, 2006

Mayon volcano looks ready to erupt

Government officials issued a volcano alert level of four, the second highest on a scale of five, as Mount Mayon in the Philippines gushed lava into the surrounding region.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said an explosive eruption was "imminent" and ordered evacuation for an estimated 50,000 people.

Mayon is located about 340 kilometers southeast of the capital Manila, and is one of hte 22 volcanoes in the island nation.

A giant pile of smouldering lava from the Mayon volcano dwarfs armed policemen on patrol in Mabinit village last week. Thousands of people were being moved out of their homes in the face of the
Policemen on patrol in Mabinit village last week stand near a giant pile of smouldering lava. Thousands of people were evacuated in the face of the "imminent" eruption of the rumbling volcano. AFP/file photo via Yahoo News.