Volcano alert raised, eruption possible within days, officials say
A major eruption of Mayon volcano is possible within days, officials have warned
Legazpi: A major eruption of Mayon volcano is possible within days, officials have warned, after detecting a drastic surge in earthquakes and eerie rumbling sounds in surrounding foothills, where tens of thousands of villagers have been moved out of harm's way.
Governor Joey Salceda said Sunday he will order army troops and police to intensify patrols to enforce a round-the-clock ban on villagers within the five-mile (eight-kilometre) danger zone around the 8,070-foot (2,460-meter) mountain in Albay province. Mayon is the most restive among the country's 22 active volcanoes.
The massive evacuations were unfortunate, coming a few days before Christmas, and authorities will find ways to bring holiday cheers to displaced villagers in emergency shelters, Salceda said.
