A mass evacuation is underway in the Philippines, where an erupting volcano 65 kilometers south of the capital has triggered some 75 earthquakes and spewed “ballistic fragments,” forcing the nation’s financial markets to suspend trading and Manila airport to close.

A “hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days”, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Monday morning.

More than 23 000 people have been evacuated since late Sunday, with plans to move as many as 200 000 people. Officials ordered schools and Government offices shut, and advised private businesses to do the same.