
An eerie photograph of ash cloud formations around the erupting Mayon Volcano in the Philippines which appears to resemble two people embracing has triggered a viral online debate over whether it is a new representation of an ancient myth.

Locals say the formation - photographed by Bro. Jun Santiago - bears an uncanny similarity to the ancient and tragic tale of the demise of a woman called Magayon (beautiful) who ran away with her warrior lover to escape an unwanted suitor.

When her lover is shot and killed by an arrow as the couple try to flee her father and tribesmen, she commits suicide by stabbing herself.

The unusual embracing couple cloud formation above the volcano (top image) has prompted locals to speculate that an ancient tragic love story is being rekindled (bottom image)

Thousands of people have already been evacuated from the vicinity of the volcano, with more expected to follow

Volcano experts have warned that even hazardous eruptions can be expected from Mt Mayon

Legend has it that several years after they died, their burial ground began to assume the shape of a volcano which people named Mayon in honour of the broken-hearted lover.

Another explanation for the unusual cloud formation is that it looks like Mary supporting Jesus Christ, News.abs-cbn.com reported.

Some social media users however offered an altogether more prosaic explanation for the unusual cloud. They said it was a sign that people living within the vicinity of the volcano should immediately evacuate the area ahead of an even bigger eruption.

The volcano is one of the most active in the Philippines, erupting twice last weekend

Lava cascades down the slopes of Mayon volcano as fears increase the mountain could become even more explosive

Lava is continuing to cascade down the slopes of Mayon volcano as seen from Legazpi city, Albay province, about 210 miles south-east of Manila

Mt Mayon (8,077 ft) is located in the central Philippines about 210 miles south-east of Manila. It is the country's largest and most populous island.

The mountain is renowned for its 'perfect cone' because of its symmetrical and conical shape.

It is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, erupting twice last weekend, with further major eruptions and tremors imminently feared as magma continues to pile up on its summit.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier this week increased the alert level for Mount Mayon to three on a scale of five, indicating an increased prospect of a hazardous eruption 'within weeks or even days'.

Lava flowed at least half a mile down a gully from the crater on Monday morning and ash clouds appeared mid-slope as lava fragments rolled down, said Renato Solidum, who heads the volcano institute.

About 15,000 people have already been evacuated, with more expected to follow.