Mayon Volcano erupts spewing ash plumes two miles into the sky

A volcano known for its perfect cone shape blasted hot ash into the sky after erupting in the Philippines.

The Mayon Volcano erupted shortly before midday local time today, sending a giant mushroom cloud above the popular tourist attraction.

The ‘moderately explosive’ eruption lasted for almost six minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Footage shows a cloud of ash billowing from the crater towering at 8,000 ft in Bicol, Albay province, within a UNESCO-designated nature reserve.

The alert level was raised to three due to risk of lava flows bursting out from parts of the crater in the coming days or weeks.

A permanent danger zone should be set up and residents evacuated within a 3.7-mile radius, Phivolcs warned.

Pilots have also been told to avoid flying over the volcano.

The institute said: ‘It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards.

‘Increased vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along channels draining the edifice is also advised.

‘Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Based on the current prevailing wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south side of the volcano.’

Mayon is a popular tourist destination due to its even cone-shaped crater.

The volcano is sacred site in ancient Philippine mythology.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.