Philippines authorities warn of imminent eruption at Mt Mayon

Authorities in the Philippines are warning of an imminent violent eruption at Mount Mayon, after an explosion earlier today (Jan. 22) sent ash, steam and lava fragments into the sky.

The volcano, the most active in the Philippines, exploded at noon local time after a week of increased activity and prompted authorities in the country to raise the alert level to four out of five, warning that an eruption could take place in a matter of hours or days. A danger zone around the base of Mount Mayon has now been expanded to eight kilometres, with more than 27,000 residents of nearby villages fleeing from the area in recent days.

In 2013, five climbers were killed in an eruption of ash when they ignored warnings and continued their trek.