Volcano spews fountains of lava, big ash plumes

The Philippines’ most active volcano has spewed fountains of lava and massive ash plumes overnight after authorities warned a violent eruption may be imminent.

The lava fountains reached up to 2,300 feet above Mount Mayon’s crater and ash plumes rose up to 1.9 miles from Monday night to before daybreak Tuesday.

An explosive eruption Monday was the most powerful since the volcano started acting up more than a week ago.

Disaster officials in Albay province, where Mayon lies, say more than 30,000 people are staying in evacuation centers.

Officials raised Mayon’s alert level to four on a scale of five, meaning a violent eruption is possible within hours or days. The danger zone expanded to 5 miles from the crater, affecting thousands more residents.

“Strengthening of the cooperation between our two countries is a precondition for strengthening Europe,” he said.

The 1963 Elysee treaty marked the post-World War II reconciliation between France and Germany. In approving the joint Franco-German resolution acknowledging the treaty’s importance, German lawmakers called for a new accord to “deepen” the partnership.

Later in the day, German lawmakers led by Bundestag speaker Wolfgang Schaeuble participated in a French parliament session in Paris.