In pictures: Philippines volcano

Villagers living near Mount Mayon in the Philippines have been preparing to leave after the volcano emitted huge clouds of ash and smoke.

The 2,462m (8,000ft) peak is the country's most active volcano. It began emitting lava, ash and boulders last week. Scientists say a major eruption could come within weeks.

The government has told 4,000 people who reside in a 6km (four-mile) danger zone surrounding the volcano to leave, but many have decided to remain.

But ash clouds early on Thursday created panic among residents, some of whom rushed to collect family members.

Despite the danger, visitors have come to the region to see the rumbling volcano.

It has erupted around 50 times in the last 400 years. More than 1,200 people died when it erupted in 1814.

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