1,500 people evacuated due to volcano mudflows

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Mudflows triggered by heavy rains on the slopes of the restive Bulusan volcano prompted an evacuation of 1,500 residents, but some families kept returning in disregard for their safety, Philippine authorities said Thursday.

At least three villages in Irosin township, on the foot of the 1,560-meter (5,150-foot) Mt. Bulusan in the central Philippines, were flooded by mud and volcanic debris loosen by days of rains, said Mayor Lilia Gonzales.

"It's the second time this week that they were evacuated," she told Radio DZRH. "We evacuated them a day ago but they returned to their homes."

She said residents were given temporary shelters at local day-care centers and appealed to the National Disaster Coordinating Council and charities to supply food, water, medicines, sleeping mats and blankets.