Philippines plans for 3-month emergency

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Philippines is bracing for a possible three-month emergency in areas around an erupting volcano, which has displaced more than 81,000 and led to overcrowded shelters, the disaster agency said yesterday.

Mount Mayon in central Albay province remained at alert level 4, a notch below the highest level, as it continued to spew lava, ash and other superheated material, volcanologists said.

Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman of the agency, said displaced families may need to stay in evacuation centres that long. (Reuters)