By Ranjan Bhaduri
Dec.31, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Though the Mayon volcano in the Philippines has not been hit by any significant quake, the seismologists and experts have warned that it may start erupting soon. The region where the volcano is located, falls under a seismic belt and this may trigger an eruption anytime. The lava spilling volcano has made the local authorities alert and they do not want to take any chances. Joey Salceda, the Albay Governor has discontinued services like water and electricity in the adjacent region to avoid any large scale mishap. Though a lot of people were evacuated from the danger zone, some of them have returned to celebrate New Year.

According to the reports, both Albay Electric Cooperative and National Power Corporation agreed to discontinue power supply to the region. However, the lava spilling volcano has drawn the attention of the tourists who want to witness the scene. The hotels in the locality are doing brisk business. The flow of lava and ash continue unabated as the scientists have observed. In the last 24 hours, at least 16 volcanic quakes have been recorded by seismic detectors. The incessant inflation of the volcano has kept the seismologists on tenterhooks. They believe that the danger is far from over.

The volcano has a record of erupting after a brief period of inactivity. The majority of the people living in adjacent region have been evacuated but a few of them have refused to leave their homes. In the past 400 years, the Mayon volcano has erupted nearly 40 times and this time it has certainly spoilt the Christmas festivities for the people in the region.