Risk of eruption at Mayon volcano, thousands evacuated

Activity at Mayon, the Philippines' most active volcano, is increasing. On Sunday, around 1,500 households were evacuated in anticipation of a feared imminent eruption.

The country's volcanology and seismology agency, Phivolcs, reports "intensified seismic instability" with lava moving through several tunnels. In recent hours, dozens of volcanic tremors have been recorded, with prolonged shaking and rockfalls.

The alert level is at Alert Level 3, meaning a major volcanic eruption is believed to be imminent. Several communities have already been affected by ashfall.

The Philippines is located along the so-called Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity.