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Explainer | Taal Volcano is the most deadly in the Philippines, killing more than 6,000 in its history. How big is its latest eruption?
- Thousands have been evacuated and Manila’s airport has been closed after a cloud of volcanic ash blew 65km north to the capital
- Sunday’s explosion, described as ‘a magmatic eruption’, could yet develop into a more violent, destructive blast
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Taal Volcano erupted on Sunday afternoon, causing multiple earthquakes, lava fountains and a huge lightning-flecked cloud.
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More than 23,000 people have been evacuated already – that number could eventually reach 200,000. The government has set aside US$50 million in emergency funding.
Clouds of ash were blown about 65km north to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Masks sold out quickly after residents were advised to wear them if they had to go out. Some wore handkerchiefs across their faces as they breathed air tainted by the smell of sulphur. Streets that would normally be snarled with some of the world’s worst traffic were largely empty in the city of 13 million people.
The capital’s airport was closed, causing the cancellation of more than 500 flights.
How strong was the eruption?
Sunday’s explosion, described as “a magmatic eruption”, could progress into a more violent, destructive blast. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has announced Alert Level 4, indicating “a hazardous explosion within hours or days”. It has urged the evacuation of areas within 14km of the volcano.
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