Officials said Taal volcano “South of Philippine capital” fired ash and vapors that reached a kilometer in the air, forcing thousands of people in nearby areas to evacuate their homes.
A huge cloud of white and gray ash was seen rising from the main crater of the “Taal” volcano in Batangas province, 66 kilometers south of Manila, while residents spoke of ash and a hail of small stones.
There were reports of ash ashes in the northern part of the Metro Manila, forcing the international airport to cancel flights and local officials to stop classes in the capital today (Monday).
Local officials said that about six thousand people were evacuated from the towns around the Taal Volcano, while dozens of tourists were also returned. The volcanic eruption was preceded by an escalating activity of fumes in other parts of the Taal volcano in Batangas province
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the level of alert to the “fourth“, which means that “there is a possibility of a volcanic eruption within hours or days.”
He said: “The public is reminded that the main crater should be a strictly prohibited area, given that sudden fumes of explosions can occur and concentrations can be released from lethal volcanic gases.”
The volcano “Taal”, which is the second most active volcano in the Philippines, is a popular tourist attraction due to its charming volcanic lake.
