30,000 Flee Philippine Volcano

30,000 Flee Philippine Volcano

            On Wednesday in the Philippines, the Mayon volcano, the most active volcano in the world, spewed out ash several hundred meters in to the air. It also spewed melted rocks and mud over a kilometer down its slopes.  Volcano experts say a dangerous eruption is soon to happen.   More than 30,000 people have evacuated their homes to seek shelter in safer places. Volcanologists documented at least five slight explosions from the Mayon volcano on Wednesday. It has been shooting burning mud and rocks for the third day since Monday.

            Philippine authorities have said that the eruption is looming on the 2,464-meter peak.  Authorities also say they are trying to evacuate the 50,000 people living around Manila, the country’s capital.  30,751 people have evacuated into 21 centers.  The volcano is highly active and has gone off 49 times since 1616. The last major eruption was in 1993 and the most violent eruption was in 1814, where it killed more than 1,200 people.

            I was astonished when I found out about this volcano.  It seems there is a global disaster for every day in the world.  I hope that this eruption does not cause a massive disaster leaving thousands homeless, injured, or killed.  Hopefully the precautions and the warnings have left very few people behind.  If I were near the volcano I would act sane and get as far away as I could.  I would take only my valuables and urge others to do the same.