First a volcano, now an earthquake

Fiery cone: The Mayon volcano belching hot emissions down its slope as seen from Daraga town, Albay province, northeastern Philippines. The 2,462m Mayon is a top tourist draw thanks to its pictures­que conical shape. ­— AP

A gentle eruption of the country’s most active volcano that has forced nearly 18,000 people to flee to emergency shelters could last for months and create a protracted crisis, officials said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr flew to northeastern Albay province to reassure villagers who were forced to evacuate from mostly poor farming communities within a 6km radius of the Mayon volcano’s crater since volcanic activity spiked last week.