Mount Mayon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, has erupted again, spewing ash and rocks into the air and forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.
The volcano, located in the central province of Albay, has been rumbling since Thursday, when the alert level was raised from two to three, indicating a high level of unrest and a possible hazardous eruption.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the volcano has been emitting sulfur dioxide gas and ash plumes that reached up to three kilometers high.
It has also been producing volcanic earthquakes and rockfalls from a disintegrating lava dome at the crater.
The authorities have declared a state of calamity in Albay and ordered the evacuation of more than 12,800 people from villages within an eight-kilometer radius of the volcano.
The evacuees have been sheltered in schools and other facilities, where they receive food, water and medical assistance.
"We're away from our home, but it's still better here because it's too dangerous," said Rachel Ramirez, a mother-of-two who is staying at a school near the town of Daraga.
The dangers of volcanic ash and gas
(Photo : CHARISM SAYAT/AFP via Getty Images)
The officials have also warned of the health risks of inhaling the ash and gas emitted by the volcano.
The ash can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin diseases, especially for people with existing conditions such as asthma and allergies, as per Phys.org.
The gas, mainly sulfur dioxide, can also cause breathing difficulties and acid rain.
The residents have been advised to wear masks or cloth over their noses and mouths, avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.
They have also been urged to protect their animals and crops from the ashfall and to clean their roofs and gutters to prevent damage from accumulated ash.
The authorities have also warned of possible lahar flows or mudflows that could be triggered by heavy rains.
Lahar flows are mixtures of volcanic debris and water that can sweep away anything in their path.
The residents have been told to avoid river channels and low-lying areas near the volcano.
Also Read: Philippines' Most Active Volcano on the Verge of Eruption, Alert Level 2 Raised Amid Volcanic Unrest
The history and beauty of Mount Mayon
Mount Mayon is considered one of the most volatile of the country's 24 active volcanoes.
It has erupted more than 50 times in the past 400 years, with the most destructive one in 1814 that killed more than 1,200 people and buried an entire town under volcanic mud, as per The Straits Times.
The volcano is also known for its perfect cone shape that attracts tourists and photographers from around the world.
It is part of the Mayon Volcano Natural Park, a protected area that covers more than 5,700 hectares of land.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Philippine eagle and the Philippine cockatoo.
The volcano is also a source of cultural and spiritual significance for the local people. It is revered as a sacred mountain that symbolizes strength, beauty, and resilience.
It is also associated with various legends and myths, such as the story of Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Lady), a princess who died for love and whose grave became a volcano.
Mount Mayon is a natural wonder that needs to be respected and protected.
It is also a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature that can pose challenges and risks to human lives.
Related article: NASA Warns 'Flood Basalt Eruptions' Could Significantly Warm Earth's Climate and Destroy Ozone Layer
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