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Lava spreads more than 2 miles from Philippine volcano

LEGAZPI, Philippines (AP) - Lava flowing out a Philippine volcano has spread up to 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) since it began intense eruptions more than two weeks ago.

Streaks of red glowed atop the summit of Mount Mayon during a mild eruption Thursday morning as the moon set, hours after a blue moon and supermoon coincided with a lunar eclipse.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said lava fountains and emissions of gas and ash have been sporadic. The eruptions fed lava flows in two areas that already exceed 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). The danger zone around Mayon extends 8 kilometers (5 miles), though authorities have struggled to keep villagers from returning to check on their homes and farms and tourists from trying to photograph the volcano's dramatic displays.

Mayon in northeastern Albay province has been erupting for more than two weeks, forcing more than 84,000 villagers to flee to crowded emergency shelters. Scientists fear a more violent eruption could be imminent.

The super blue blood moon sets before dawn as lava cascades down the slopes of Mayon volcano during a sporadic mild eruption as seen from Sto. Domingo township, Albay province around 340 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Manila, Philippines Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. It's the first time in 35 years a blue moon has synced up with a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse, or blood moon because of its red hue. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) The Associated Press
The super blue blood moon sets before dawn as lava cascades down the slopes of Mayon volcano during its sporadic mild eruption as seen from Sto. Domingo township, Albay province around 340 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Manila, Philippines Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. It's the first time in 35 years a blue moon has synced up with a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse, or blood moon because of its red hue. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) The Associated Press
The super blue blood moon, behind volcanic ash cloud, sets before dawn as lava cascades down the slopes of Mayon volcano during a sporadic mild eruption as seen from Sto. Domingo township, Albay province around 340 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Manila, Philippines Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. It's the first time in 35 years a blue moon has synced up with a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse, or blood moon because of its red hue. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) The Associated Press
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