Taal Volcano Eruption: Mass Evacuation, Quakes and Closure of Manila Airport

Taal Volcano Eruption: Mass Evacuation, Quakes and Closure of Manila Airport

Taal volcano’s eruption on Sunday led to many consequences for the people nearby in Manila with mass evacuations, and closure of airports, schools and government buildings.

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.

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Natasha Shadeanna
Natasha Shadeanna

Natasha is always on a quest to find a place where it is always spring. Until then, she spends her days reading travel journals, watching travelogues and searching for cheap flights to anywhere around the world. If a bar is playing good music, she’s probably there with a drink in hand.

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