Philippine volcano near capital spews ash and gas
1/5
Brief explosion
A small volcano in a scenic lake near the Philippine capital belched a white plume of steam and ash 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) into the sky in a brief explosion Saturday, prompting authorities to raise the alert level and urge thousands of residents to protectively evacuate from high-risk villages.
2/5
Steam-driven blast
Magma came into contact with water in the main crater of Taal volcano in Batangas province, setting off the steam-driven blast that was followed by smaller emissions and accompanied by volcanic earthquakes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
3/5
World's smallest volcanoes
The institute raised the alarm at the 1,020-foot (311-meter) Taal, one of the world's smallest volcanoes, to the third level in a five-step warning system, meaning ``there is magmatic intrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.''
Amazon Top Deals
POWERED BY
Crompton Ozone 75 Litres Desert Air Cooler for home | Large & Easy Clean Ice Chamber | 4-Way Air Deflection | High Density Honeycomb Pads | Everlast Pump | Auto Fill| 3 Year Brand Warranty
₹9,999Buy Now42%
OFF
LG 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC3286BRUM, Black, 360° Motorised Rotisserie for Bar-be-queing, 301 Auto Cook Menu, Stainless steel cavity, Indian Cuisine, Tandoor Se, Steam Clean & Diet Fry)
₹19,090Buy Now20%
OFF
4/5
"Volcanic tsunami"
Residents of five lakeside villages in the Batangas towns of Agoncillo and Laurel were warned of possible hazards, including fast-moving gas and molten materials and ``volcanic tsunami'' in the volcanic lake, and urged to evacuate to safer areas.
5/5
High-risk villages
``It was a powerful burst but now the volcano has calmed down,'' Laurel Mayor Joan Amo told The Associated Press by telephone, adding that about 8,000 residents in high-risk villages in her town were ready to be moved to safety if the volcanic unrest continues.