LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines, July 19 (UPI) -- More than 4,000 people were ordered evacuated Wednesday from Mount Mayon in the central Philippines because of increasing volcanic eruptions.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had recorded 100 short-duration tremors Tuesday, meaning magma was reaching the volcano's summit, the Manila Standard Today reported Wednesday.
Scientists said white-hot "lava and rocks as big as cars" had toppled down the slope from the summit. Lava has flowed 1,000 yards down the slopes, volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said.
Authorities said evacuations have been ordered in all areas within 10 miles of Mount Mayon because a major eruption could take place within days, or possibly as long as weeks.
The volcano has a history of erupting over several centuries, and last blew in 2000 and 2001.
