DARAGA, Philippines  —The most active volcano in the Philippines, Mayon, has started a gentle eruption, causing concern among authorities who have put thousands of people on high alert for a potential violent explosion. Over 12,000 villagers have already been evacuated from their homes within a 6-kilometer radius of the volcano's crater. There are still thousands more residing in the permanent danger zone, which is prohibited. The eruption of lava on Sunday night may lead to an expansion of the high-risk zone if the eruption intensifies. Officials are advising people in the potential danger zones to be prepared for evacuation to emergency shelters.

According to a witness, the Mayon volcano in the Philippines has been emitting lava down its southeastern gullies for an extended period of time. This prompted people in the seaside district of Legazpi, located about 14 kilometers away, to quickly leave restaurants and bars and capture photos of the popular volcano. In response to the volcanic activity, Albay province declared a state of emergency to facilitate the prompt distribution of disaster relief funds. The alert level for the 2,462-meter volcano was raised on Thursday. Mayon, known for its picturesque conical shape, is among the country's 24 active volcanoes and had a significant eruption in 2018, causing the displacement of tens of thousands of residents.

In 1814, Mayon volcano's eruption resulted in the burial of entire villages and the reported loss of over 1,000 lives. Despite the danger, many residents of Albay province have come to accept the sporadic fury of the volcano as a part of their lives.

To ensure safety, authorities and villagers have started relocating a significant number of cows and water buffaloes from high-risk farms to 25 temporary grazing areas situated at a safe distance from the volcano. This action is in addition to the more than 12,600 villagers who have already sought refuge in emergency shelters since the volcano began emitting superheated gas and producing heavy ashfall last week, indicating the possibility of a major eruption within days or weeks.

Albay provincial veterinarian, Manny Victorino, emphasized the importance of safeguarding not only the people but also their farm animals. He stated that measures were being taken to mitigate the potential economic impact in the event of a volcanic eruption.

The ongoing eruption of Mayon volcano in the Philippines has prompted the evacuation of thousands of villagers and the relocation of livestock to safer areas. As one of the country's most active volcanoes, Mayon has a history of periodic eruptions. The government faces the challenge of managing threats from multiple active volcanoes and the country's susceptibility to typhoons and storms. Despite the dangers, residents of the affected areas, such as Legazpi, have learned to live with the volcano and continue with their daily activities. Some businesses have even thrived by offering tourist activities centered around Mayon.