Mount Mayon erupts in Philippines

A volcano that has been rumbling for weeks in the Philippines continued to erupt early Sunday, spewing ash, lava and boulders as big as trucks.

About 10,000 villagers who had remained in the area the past few days despite signs of impending disaster ran to safety.

Huge flames could be seen from several kilometres away from Mayon, located in Albay province, 330 kilometres southeast of Manila. One man was killed when he was hit by a rescue truck.

At least 5,000 people living at the foot of the volcano fled their homes on Saturday when they saw flaming rocks tumble down the slopes and lava shoot 50 metres into the air.

• FROM JUNE 23, 2001: Thousands flee volcano in Philippines

Officials say as many as 60,000 people could end up having to leave the region. The eruption is expected to last for the next few days.

The last big eruption of Mount Mayon was in 1814, killing 12,000 people.