By Alex
The Taal Volcano in the Philippines erupted violently at noon yesterday (12th), sending massive amounts of volcanic ash and thick smoke up to 10 to 15 kilometers into the sky, drifting northward toward Manila. Affected by the volcanic ash, Manila International Airport has urgently suspended all inbound and outbound flights.
▲(Photo by ABS-CBN News @Twitter)
▲(Photo by ABS-CBN News @Twitter)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued an alert this morning (13th), stating that the volcanic ash eruption is ongoing and showing signs of intensification. Lava fountaining was also observed in the early hours of the 13th. In addition, the institute recorded a total of 75 minor earthquakes in the vicinity of the volcano, 32 of which were felt. The alert level remains at Level 4 (with Level 5 being the highest), indicating that a more destructive eruption could occur in the near future. Authorities have informed that nearly 200,000 residents within a 10-kilometer radius of the volcano may be affected, while 8,000 residents near the volcanic area are currently being evacuated.
▲(Photo by RomaYssabelle @Twitter)
▲(Photo by sanaenthusiastt @Twitter)
The Taal Volcano is located about 70 kilometers south of the capital Manila, in Batangas Province, and is the second most active volcano in the Philippines, as well as a popular tourist attraction. Its last major eruption was in 1977.
▲(Photo by sanaenthusiastt @Twitter)
When the Taal Volcano erupted violently yesterday, many captured images of volcanic lightning. During a volcanic eruption, large amounts of ash, rock fragments, water droplets, or ice crystals are ejected from the crater, forming an upward plume. These materials rub against each other as they rise, generating static electricity. When the static electricity accumulates to a certain threshold, it is released in the form of lightning. From the outside, bolts of lightning darting through the churning plume can easily evoke apocalyptic imagery and inspire fear.
▲(Photo by Ezra Acayan / Getty Images)
▲(Photo by Michael Sagaran / ABS-CBN News)
▲The Taal Volcano began erupting violently at noon on Sunday. (Photo by coffee_dante @IG)
▲Massive amounts of volcanic ash and smoke rose up to 10 to 15 kilometers, forming a huge volcanic cloud. (Photo by StormchaserUKEU @Twitter)
▲(Photo by chrstnplcnnn_Philippines)
▲In the early stages of the major eruption, many captured images of the umbrella-shaped volcanic cloud. (Photo by ScienceConnect2)
▲(Photo by 20200112-taal-eruption_abscbnnews)
▲(Photo by raproxen @IG)
▲The Taal Volcano is located on an island in the middle of a lake (photo before the eruption). (Photo by ClubCalliopean @Twitter)
Source: ABS-CBN News