Massive eruption of Philippines Taal Volcano imminent | DW News

Summary

The Taal Volcano near Manila, Philippines, has begun erupting, spewing ash and lava, prompting authorities to warn of an imminent hazardous eruption. Manila's International Airport has temporarily closed, and tens of thousands have evacuated, though some residents remain on their farms. Volcanic lightning and ash clouds have created a dramatic scene, while the danger level has escalated to level four, indicating a high risk of eruption. Despite the looming threat, some tourists and locals continue to observe the phenomenon, highlighting the region's resilience to natural disasters.

Takeaways

• 🌋 The Taal volcano, located about 60 kilometers south of Manila, has begun spewing ash and lava, prompting authorities to warn of a potentially dangerous eruption.
• 🚨 Manila's International Airport was temporarily closed, and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the area as a precaution.
• 🌩 Volcanic lightning has been observed, which is an early sign of the volcanic activity that could lead to a significant eruption.
• 🏠 Some residents are refusing to leave their homes and farms despite the warnings, choosing to stay in the area.
• 🛣️ Rain mixed with volcanic ash has created thick mud on roads, making driving conditions treacherous and affecting transportation.
• 😷 Face masks are in short supply in Manila due to the ash fall, and hundreds of flights have been canceled.
• 🌏 The Taal volcano is one of the most active in the region, where earthquakes and eruptions are a common occurrence.
• 🌄 The volcano's eruption has attracted tourists and visitors fascinated by the phenomenon, despite the risks.
• 🌾 Farmers are attempting to continue their daily work, washing away volcanic ash from their livestock and plantations.
• 🏞️ The ash fall has transformed the landscape, covering towns and vegetation and affecting the daily life of the local population.
• 🆘 The danger level has reached level 4, indicating that a hazardous eruption could be imminent, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the danger zone.

Q & A

Which volcano in the Philippines is showing signs of a dangerous eruption?

The Taal Volcano, located about 60 kilometers south of Manila, is showing signs of a dangerous eruption.

What recent activity has been observed at the Taal Volcano?

The Taal Volcano began spewing ash and lava on Sunday, with volcanic lightning shooting up into the ash cloud.

How has the volcanic activity affected Manila's International Airport?

Manila's International Airport was temporarily closed due to the volcanic activity, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

What has been the impact of the volcanic ash on the roads and transportation?

Rain mixed with volcanic ash has caused the roads to become covered in thick mud, making driving treacherous and difficult.

What is the current danger level of the Taal Volcano according to the authorities?

The danger level has reached level 4, which indicates that a hazardous eruption could be imminent.

How have the residents in the nearby towns responded to the volcanic activity?

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated, while others are refusing to leave their homes and farms.

What is the significance of the volcanic ash falling on the region's plantations?

The ash fall has covered entire swaths of plantations, mostly pineapples, and the weight of the ash has caused the leaves on trees to droop.

How are some people in the region reacting to the potential eruption?

Some people are going about their daily business, while others are taking selfies and fascinated by the volcano's eruption, showing a mix of resilience and fatalism.

What challenges does the government face in managing the situation with the Taal Volcano?

The government is preparing for two scenarios: a short-term eruption over the next few days or a prolonged eruption that could last for months.

What is the current status of the people who have been evacuated from the danger zone?

About 8,000 to 10,000 people have been moved to evacuation centers or safer areas, and the government is working on managing their safety and livelihoods during this time.

What is the historical context of the Taal Volcano's activity?

The Taal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the region and last erupted more than 40 years ago.