Philippines volcano threat level increased to "critical"

LUZON, PHILIPPINES — Eruptions of steam and ash from an active volcano has made more than 3,000 people flee their homes in the Philippines.

According to CNN, the Mayon Volcano on Luzon island in the Philippines began erupting on Sunday. Officials moved the alert level to 3 at the weekend, saying there was an "increased tendency towards hazardous eruption" in weeks or days. There are 5 alert levels in total.

Authorities suspect the crater glow at the peak points to "the growth of a new lava dome and beginnings of lava flow towards the southern slopes".

Level 3 is considered "critical", Cedric Daep, head of the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office told Reuters.