Most people, including you and me, would only have seen an active, erupting volcano in Lord of the Rings.
Or maybe some YouTube documentaries.
But in the Philippines, near the popular weekend getaway spot, Taal Lake, the Taal Volcano might just erupt in the near future.
Taal Volcano Spew Ashes 1KM-High
On 12 Jan 2020, a volcano about 60km south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, erupted.
It generated a 1km-high ash plume.
Rumbling sounds were heard and tremors were felt. Signs that a hazardous eruption could happen in the coming weeks.
Signs of Escalation Apparent
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the volcano showed a “fast escalation” in volcanic activity.
It was added that continuous eruption generated ash plumes that reached “as far as Quezon City”.
Raising of Taal Volcano Alert Level from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 4 #TaalVolcano #TaalEruption2020 pic.twitter.com/3yYkKOxBht
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) 12 January 2020
They also warned about possible hazards of a volcanic tsunami as well as hot gas and volcanic matter that could reach areas around the Taal Lake.
Manila Shut Down
In the capital city of Manila, the streets, normally so busy, are empty.
Schools, most private businesses and government offices were shut down as well.
Masks were sold out and some people were spotted tying a handkerchief to their faces when they’re outside.
On Sunday, the Manila International Airport Authority announced on Twitter that “flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been temporarily suspended”.
Affected passengers are advised to make their own arrangements with their airlines for flight schedules.
Flight operations at the airport have partially resumed at the time of writing after at least 240 flights were delayed or cancelled.
Evacuation Efforts Tough But Ongoing
More than 16,000 people have been evacuated from the volcanic island as well as surrounding areas.
Vice Governor Mark Leviste of nearby Talisay Batangas said they need trucks to evacuate more people from isolated communities.
The rain, he said, has turned ash from the volcano into mud.
“There is no power. Even water was cut, so we are in need of potable water,” he said. “We are in need of face masks.”
Tourists, however, are ignoring the danger and travelling closer to take photos of the Taal Volcano.
One of them said it was “a once in a lifetime experience” for them.
Last Major Eruption Back On May 2019
The people of the Philippines are no strangers to volcanic eruptions.
Back in May 2019, Mount Agung erupted for four minutes and thirty seconds, spewing lava in all directions to a range of up to three kilometres.
And similar to the situation now, flights to and from Bali were suspended back then.
But back then, the alert level was kept at level 3. For the latest Taal Volcano eruption, it’s set at level 4.
Which means it’s more serious this time.
Let us hope that the good people of the Philippines will pull through this safe and sound.
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And if you’re planning to travel to anywhere near the volcano anytime soon, well, it might be a good idea to postpone your plans a bit.
