Philippines warns of ‘explosive eruption’ after Taal Volcano emits ash near Manila

A volcano
near the capital of the Philippines erupted Sunday, forcing residents to
evacuate as experts warned that another “hazardous explosive
eruption” is possible.

The Taal
Volcano, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Manila on the island of Luzon,
erupted in the afternoon. Authorities ordered evacuations for three towns,
according to sources.

The Manila
International Airport Authority suspended arrivals and departures.

The
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the volcano exhibited
a “fast escalation” in volcanic activity. Continuous eruption
generated ash plumes 6 to 9 miles (10 to 14 kilometers) above the crater,
spewing ashes “as far as Quezon City.”

The agency
raised its alert status to indicate the possibility of a hazardous eruption
with lava within hours to days.