Philippine eruption termed imminent

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The Philippines' most active volcano could erupt within days, scientists say, and tens of thousands are fleeing their homes in the foothills of the mountain.

The Mayon volcano, which has erupted 49 times since 1616, began emitting lava flows and clouds of ash last week, CNN reported Monday.

Booming and rumbling sounds, accompanied by more than 1,000 earthquakes, have led Philippine authorities to raise an alert status to Level 4, meaning an eruption is imminent, CNN said.

Authorities have declared danger zones extending 4 miles from the summit of the 8,077-foot volcano.

Mayon, located about 400 miles south of the capital of Manila, killed more than 1,200 people in its most violent outburst in 1814. Its last major eruption was in 1993.

The Philippines is located on the so-called Ring of Fire, where fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin create frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.