The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines has been showing increasing signs of activity, with lava spewing and sulfuric gas being emitted. Thousands of residents have been evacuated to safer areas in the wake of the volcano’s heightened unrest, according to reports from CNN and Al Jazeera English.

The Killeen Daily Herald reports that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have issued warnings to those in the vicinity of the volcano to stay away. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert level for the Mayon Volcano to Level 4, indicating that a hazardous eruption is imminent.

Local farmers are also taking precautions, as thousands of cows and buffaloes have been evacuated away from the volcano in anticipation of potential danger. According to Yahoo News, owners of the livestock have been following the lead of local authorities, who are urging people to err on the side of caution and evacuate any animals that might be in harm’s way.

The situation remains tense, and tourists and locals alike are being urged to stay away from the area and to heed any warnings or alerts that might be issued by PHIVOLCS. The full extent of the impact of the volcano’s activity is still unknown, and residents are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.