Long-lasting eruption displaces thousands in the Philippines.

The eruption of the Mayon volcano in the Philippines, which has forced nearly 18,000 people to flee to emergency shelters, could last for months and create a protracted crisis, officials said. The volcano could spew lava gently for as long as three months or more, as it has done in the past, without generating a violent and life-threatening explosion. The volcano's activity was raised to alert level three on a five-step warning system on June 8, meaning a hazardous eruption was considered possible in weeks or days.