In the last couple of months, the pacific ring of fire has been under siege. And now, Mt. Mayon is on the verge of erupting.

The Country’s  most active volcano could erupt within days, officials warned Sunday after detecting a drastic surge in earthquakes and eerie rumbling sounds in surrounding foothills. Tens of thousands of villagers have been evacuated as a precaution.

Scientists raised the alert level for the Mayon volcano to one step below a major eruption after 453 volcanic earthquakes were detected in a five-hour span Sunday, compared to just over 200 Saturday, said Renato Solidum, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Army troops and police will intensify patrols to enforce a round-the-clock ban on villagers within a five-mile danger zone around the 8,070-foot mountain, said Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay province, about 210 miles southeast of Manila.

No these aren’t red icicles on a Christmas tree. These are lava flow from the mouth of Mt. Mayon. (Photo from csmonitor.com)

This eruption is actually attracting tourists and daredevil photographers alike. The enigmatic mountain proved once again that it’s beauty is still glaring even during an eruption. NDCC already evacuated hundredths of families within the 6 km permanent danger zone, we advise travelers to stay outside the danger zone and coordinate with local officials from DOT region 5 and LGU’s if you are in the area.

Legaspi City, Albay (Photo from nydailynews.com)

We are praying for two things right now: (one) that the residents of the surrounding cities be safe, and that hopefully, (two) this eruption won’t damage the perfect shape of our very own Mayon Volcano.