One of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, Mayon, erupted today, spewing massive ash clouds that killed four hikers and left several others trapped near the crater.
Mayon Volcano is located in Albay Province. Governor Joey Salceda said authorities have deployed search and rescue teams to locate the trapped hikers and guides.
Guide Kenneth Jesalva told ABS-CBN TV via mobile phone that the four hikers were killed by huge falling rocks. Another hiking group, comprising five foreigners and three Filipino guides, had one member seriously injured.
One of the deceased was a Filipino citizen, while the nationalities of the other three remain unknown. Authorities have not yet recovered any bodies.
Witnesses told reporters that Mayon Volcano ejected thick ash clouds up to 500 meters high. However, Renato Solidum, the country’s chief seismologist, said residents around Mayon do not need to evacuate.
He described the eruption as a “minor steam-driven explosion” caused by ash accumulated in the crater coming into contact with rainwater.
Mayon Volcano is located 330 kilometers southeast of Manila and has recorded 48 historical eruptions. (Translator: CNA Hsiao Chien-yun) 1020507
(CNA)