The Philippines’ most active volcano is showing signs of 41 . Mount Mayon, located in the eastern Philippines, has been sending huge chunks of lava 42 down its slopes in a gradual eruption that could soon turn colossal. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has warned that a “hazardous eruption” of the volcano is possible within just a few weeks. Mayon has erupted 50 times in the 43 500 years. An eruption in 1993 caused 79 deaths, 44 subsequent eruptions forced thousands of people in nearby villages to evacuate. The most 45 volcanic eruption was in 1813, when the entire town of Cagsawa was wiped out. “We are praying that it would not be the worst-case scenario,” said Herbie Aguas, mayor Santo Domingo, one of the villages closest to the volcano.