Natasha Shadeanna
Image credit: Mike Gonzalez
The eruption of Taal Volcano, located just about 60 kilometers south of the capital of the Philippines, Manila, last Sunday, has prompted mass evacuation and over 75 earthquakes. This has then led to the suspension of the financial market’s trading and the closure of Manila’s airport.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has also noted that a “hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days” leading to mass evacuations of an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people.
Schools and government offices are also shut down. The institute has also reported that the volcano “exhibited a fast escalation in volcanic activity” with the repeated eruption creating ash plumes “10 to 14 kilometers above the crater, spewing ashes as far as Quezon City.”
Suspended Flights in Manila, Warnings of Possible Volcanic Tsunami
In addition to that, weak lava fountaining, thunder and flashes of lightning also points to continued activity within the main crater. A number of towns and urban areas, including the main business district of Makati City, are withstanding ash fall and volcanic particles up to 6.25 centimeters in diameter. Experts have also warned of a conceivable volcanic tsunami on Taal lake caused by rapid currents of hot gas and volcanic debris.
All of Manila airport’s arrival and departure flights are suspended and passengers are advised to liaise with their respective airlines for travel updates. Watch this space for more updates.
