Philippine scientists warn Taal Volcano could erupt ‘any time soon’

The volcano sprang to life on Thursday and has been discharging sulphur dioxide for the past week, creating a haze over Manila

Nearly 4,500 people have left their homes since authorities called for evacuations of high-risk areas

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A motorcycles drives away from a lake with Taal Volcano in the background. Photo: AP

Published: 10:24pm, 4 Jul 2021Updated: 10:24pm, 4 Jul 2021

Philippine scientists warned on Sunday a volcano south of Manila could erupt again “any time soon” as toxic gas emissions hit a record high and thousands more people in vulnerable communities left their homes.

Taal Volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake, has been discharging sulphur dioxide for the past week, creating a haze over Manila and several surrounding provinces, and prompting health warnings.

Nearly 4,500 people have left their homes since authorities called for evacuations of high-risk areas on the lake’s shores, the provincial disaster agency said on Sunday.

Some settlements have been locked down, temporarily preventing residents from returning to their properties.

“An eruption similar to the 1 July 2021 event may occur any time soon,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.

Taal, which lies 50km (30 miles) south of Manila, burst to life last Thursday, sending steam and rock fragments hundreds of metres into the sky. Several smaller eruptions followed.

Philippine scientists warn Taal Volcano could erupt ‘any time soon’

The volcano sprang to life on Thursday and has been discharging sulphur dioxide for the past week, creating a haze over Manila Nearly 4,500 people have left their homes since authorities called for evacuations of high-risk areas

The volcano sprang to life on Thursday and has been discharging sulphur dioxide for the past week, creating a haze over Manila

Nearly 4,500 people have left their homes since authorities called for evacuations of high-risk areas