Residents living around Mayon Volcano in Albay province, 500 kilometers south of Manila, have started seeking shelter at evacuation centers as authorities announce that an eruption is imminent. (Photo by Jun Santiago)
Churches in the Philippine province of Albay are getting ready for the expected eruption of Mount Mayon, an active volcano on the main island of Luzon.
Close to 22,000 residents near the volcano, 500 kilometers south of Manila, were in 18 evacuation centers as of Jan. 16, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi has called on Catholics in his diocese to remain calm and listen to updates on the situation.
Disaster agency spokeswoman, Romina Marasigan, said "lava fountaining" has been observed at the volcano.
"There is a possibility that we will extend the evacuation to cover more areas," she said, adding that people should not enter the eight-kilometer danger zone.
State seismologists said the level 3 (critical) alert remains in effect, meaning that it is in a "relatively high level of unrest ... and a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days."
Bishop Baylon said it has become part of the volcano's "habit" to erupt every eight to 10 years. "We only pray that this does not get worse," said the prelate.