Mount Mayon 'still an eruption danger'

Mount Mayon could still explode at any time, according to a group of scientists monitoring its development.

The volcano, which is situated 200 miles south of Philippines capital Manila, could erupt at any moment and the volcanologists are advising people to prepare to leave the region.

Although they have not yet issued an evacuation order, there is some concern that the volcano, which has been rumbling and spewing out lava for the last two weeks, could still explode in the near future.

However, any evacuation order may have difficulty in getting through to the people who would be most affected by an eruption, after thieves cut the scientists' phone lines in an effort to strip them of their copper.

Travellers to the Philippines are being advised to stay away from the region in case an eruption does occur, especially as getting information to the local population may prove difficult following the thieves' actions.

A no-go area of four miles has already been set up around the volcano, as lava and boulders continue to spew out of the mountain in a "mild and quiet" eruption.