Eruption fear in Philippines

FEARS an active volcano in central Philippines could erupt has prompted the immediate evacuation of residents in nearby villages.

The Philippines raised the alert at its restive Mayon volcano by one notch early yesterday, citing signs of rising magma that could lead to hazardous eruptions.

Residents were evacuated from two villages near the volcano – a tourist attraction in central Albay province because of its near-perfect cone shape – following a “phreatic or steam-driven eruption” on Saturday.