By / Fresh from Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported
The active Taal Volcano in Batangas Province (Batangas), southern Luzon Island (Luzon) of the Philippines, erupted steam about 1 km high at about 1 pm on January 12, 2020. The Philippines raised the volcano alert level to Level 4, which means "a dangerous eruption may occur within hours to days," at 7:30 pm on Sunday. Nearby residents have been evacuated.
Since records began, Taal Volcano has erupted 33 times, and the 1911 eruption even killed a thousand people. (Photo / Taal Volcano)
As Taal Volcano is only about 60 km from the Metro Manila area, a large amount of volcanic ash has drifted over the Metro Manila region. Manila International Airport, which was closed at 7 pm on January 12, reopened at 12 noon on January 13. China Airlines and EVA Air will add flights to transport passengers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises the public who plan to travel to the area in the near future to confirm flight and airport opening information in advance.
It is advised that the public avoid traveling to the Taal Volcano area in Batangas Province, including the Tagaytay (Tagaytay) scenic area, if it is not necessary in the near future. Those who are already traveling in the area or nearby areas should avoid going out and stay away from the area and its vicinity.
In case of emergencies during your stay in the Philippines, please call the emergency contact number of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines: (+63) 917 - 819 - 4597 (direct dial within the Philippines: 0917 - 819 - 4597), or ask your relatives and friends in Taiwan to call the "Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center" at 0800 - 085 - 095 to get necessary assistance.
Meanwhile, the Popocatepetl Volcano in Puebla State (Puebla) of Mexico also erupted at 6:33 am on January 9, with lava flowing out and thick smoke everywhere. The volcanic ash reached a height of 3,000 m, affecting air quality and travel safety. Non - essential travel is not recommended.
Moreover, wildfires in Australia are still raging. Since 2019, they have destroyed more than a thousand houses and killed tens of millions of animals due to smoke inhalation or burns. Due to the dry and hot summer weather, the wildfire situation may become even more severe. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has declared a state of emergency in New South Wales three times so far. Tourists traveling to Australia are advised to be cautious and pay attention to safety.
Recently, due to the conflict between the United States and Iran, the situation on the border between Iran and Iraq has been very unstable. Cross - border terrorist attacks and violent kidnapping cases have frequently occurred in the Sistan - Baluchistan, Khorasan, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces at the junction of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. In addition, the United States and Iran have carried out retaliatory attacks against each other in Iraq recently, and the conflict situation has escalated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a red travel alert for the above - mentioned areas.
Australian wildfires can even be seen from space ! 500 million animals perished in the fires
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