Philippines Volcano: Thousands evacuated as Mayon threatens another eruption

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In the Philippines, the Mayon Volcano is threatening to blow once again, nearly a week after its first eruption. The scorching lava flowing from the crater continues to keep thousands of people in evacuation centers and, as CGTN's Barnaby Lo reports, it may take a while before they can return home.

It's a familiar sight, but residents of communities around Mayon, the Philippines' most active volcano say, that orange glow will never be familiar enough to make them complacent.

MERMA SOLANO EVACUEE "Even if I'm used to it, it still makes me nervous. I'm especially worried for my small grandchildren. The smell actually made my head hurt. I didn't sleep the night it started erupting."

That was Saturday last week. State volcanologists warned then that a hazardous eruption was possible within days or weeks. That warning has not been lifted.

BARNABY LO ALBAY, THE PHILIPPINES "So what you're seeing right there is volcanic ash that has settled on the riverbank. And we are now within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone of Mayon Volcano. And behind me, very clearly you can see lava still flowing on the slope of the volcano."

Although some residents still go back to check on their houses every once in a while, most of the houses are empty. Thousands have moved to public schools for safety.

LOURDES SOLANO EVACUEE "We're more afraid of getting sick because the smell is really unbearable. There's no question – we have to evacuate."

The question of course is until when.

CARLOS BALDO CAMALIG VICE-MAYOR "There are times when Mayon erupts for three months. But our funds can sustain the needs of evacuees for only days or weeks."

To that end, the national government has assured aid, especially as the provincial government has already declared a state of calamity. Barnaby Lo, CGTN, Albay, the Philippines.