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Philippine volcano explodes, authorities raise alert level

A huge column of ash shoots up to the sky during the eruption of Mayon volcano Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, as seen from Legazpi city, Albay province, around 200 miles southeast of Manila, Philippines. The Philippines’ most active volcano erupted Monday prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise the Alert level to 4 from last week’s alert level 3. (Earl Recamunda / Associated Press)
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ most active volcano has exploded thunderously and authorities warn a hazardous eruption is possible within days.

Renato Solidum of the Philippines Institute of Seismology and Volcanology and other officials said Mount Mayon ejected a huge column of volcanic fragments, ash and steam into the sky around noon Monday, shrouding nearby villages in darkness.

Authorities raised the alert level to four on a scale of five, which means an explosive eruption is possible within days.

Mayon has been acting up for more than a week, causing more than 27,000 villagers to flee to safety.