
The volcano, which sits in a lake south of Manila,exploded with a “short-lived” burst at 7.22am (local time), the PhilippineInstitute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.
It warned further eruptions werepossible, which it said could trigger dangerous, fast-moving volcanic flows ofgas, ash and debris, as well as a tsunami.
The seismological agency “strongly”recommended residents living in vulnerable communities around the lake beevacuated, as it raised the alert level from two to three.
Residents of five villages were orderedto leave their homes. More than 12,000 people live in thesettlements, according to the latest available official data.
Taal is one of the most active volcanoesin the Philippines which has been hit periodically by eruptions and earthquakesdue to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” – a zone of intense seismicactivity.
Access to the volcano island, which wasonce home to a community of thousands, has been prohibited since January 2020./.