MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:33 p.m) — Mayon volcano has an explosive eruption and Philippine authorities have raised alert to level four.
Renato Solidum of the Philippines Institute of Seismology and Volcanology and other officials said Mount Mayon ejected a huge column of volcanic fragments, ash and steam into the sky around noon Monday, shrouding nearby villages in darkness.
Authorities raised the alert level to four on a scale of five, which means an explosive eruption is possible within days.
Mayon has been acting up for more than a week, causing more than 27,000 villagers to flee to safety.
According to an update from the Bicol Standard, Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara has advised the public, especially those in the third district of Albay, to stay indoors.
The third legislative district covers Ligao City and the towns of Guinobatan, Jovellar, Libon, Oas, Polangui and Pio Duran.
The governor also ordered classes in all levels, private and public, suspended across the whole province.
This is a developing story