Philippines raises alert level around volcano, villagers

Nabil Anas

Global Courant

Manila, Philippines –

Philippine officials on Thursday raised the alert level for one of the country’s most active volcanoes after superheated gas streams, debris and rocks poured down its upper slope in a state they fear could spiral into a dangerous eruption within days or weeks. can lead.

Villagers living within a 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) radius of Mayon Volcano’s crater were told to leave the long-designated permanent danger zone and move to safer terrain due to the danger of volcanic emissions, lava flows , stonefall and other hazards, officials said.

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A number of villages in three towns near Taal suspended classes on Wednesday due to thick smog billowing from the volcano, one of the world’s smallest, and residents were advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks for protection.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. A long-dormant volcano, Mount Pinatubo blew its top north of Manila in 1991 in one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, killing hundreds.

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