Philippines raises alert level at volcano as villagers are told to leave area

Mayon Volcano spews white smoke (John Michael Magdasoc/AP)

Officials in the Philippines have raised the alert level for one of the country’s most active volcanoes after streams of gas, debris and rocks cascaded down its upper slope – sparking fears there could be an eruption within days or weeks.

Villagers living within a 3.7-mile radius of Mayon volcano’s crater have been told to leave the long-designated permanent danger zone and move to safer grounds due to the danger of volcanic emissions, lava flows, rockfalls and other hazards, officials said.