Accra:The Philippines has increased the volcanic alert level to 3 following a 'moderately explosive' eruption at Mayon Volcano, prompting evacuations within a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the eruption led the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to escalate the alert level. The volcano emitted a 'dense, rapidly ascending and billowing ash plume 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above the summit crater.' This ash plume dispersed to the west-southwest due to moderate winds, with ashfall anticipated in the communities of Daraga, Guinobatan, and nearby municipalities of Albay.

A Level 3 alert is declared when there is a 'sustained increase in the levels of volcanic earthquakes' and 'forceful and voluminous steam/ash ejections.' PHIVOLCS highlighted that Mayon is entering a new phase of magmatic eruption, increasing the likelihood of lava flows in the coming days to weeks. The agency also warned of potential dangers from lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

Mayon Volcano, also called Mount Mayon, is an active stratovolcano located in Albay province in the Bicol region, covering the southern part of Luzon Island and nearby island provinces in the Southeast Asian nation.