Legazpi: A major eruption of Mayon volcano is possible within days, officials have warned, after detecting a drastic surge in earthquakes and eerie rumbling sounds in surrounding foothills , where tens of thousands of villagers have been moved out of harm's way.

Governor Joey Salceda said Sunday he will order army troops and police to intensify patrols to enforce a round-the-clock ban on villagers within the five-mile (eight-kilometre) danger zone around the 8,070-foot (2,460-meter) mountain in Albay province. Mayon is the most restive among the country's 22 active volcanoes.

The massive evacuations were unfortunate, coming a few days before Christmas, and authorities will find ways to bring holiday cheers to displaced villagers in emergency shelters, Salceda said. - gulfnews.com