Approximately 18,000 people residing in 14 villages within the danger zone have been urged to seek safety, according to the Albay Provincial Information Office.
Local government efforts have already evacuated over 10,000 individuals, but it is expected to take a couple of days to complete the evacuation of all affected villagers.
Albay province, located on the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, has declared a state of calamity due to volcanic activity. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is currently working to ascertain the exact number of people who have been successfully evacuated.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has reported that the eruption of Mayon Volcano commenced on Thursday, with a warning of potential explosive activity in the coming weeks or even days. On the institute's five-level warning system, the alert level for the 2,460-meter cone-shaped Mayon volcano has been raised to the third level.
The institute has noted ongoing extrusion of shallow degassed magma, albeit at a very slow pace, based on overall monitoring parameters.
Mayon Volcano is renowned as the country's most active volcano. Its previous eruption took place in January 2018, leading to the evacuation of more than 23,000 individuals from nine cities and municipalities.
The situation is being closely monitored by authorities as they work to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the vicinity of the volcano. Further updates and precautionary measures will be implemented as deemed necessary to mitigate potential risks and protect the affected population.
(Xinhua/NAN)