Philippines: Taal volcano shudders as PHIVOLCS warns of “imminent” hazardous eruption January 14 /update 2

Event

Taal volcano, near Manila, shook with seismic activity and spewed lava and ash some 800 m (0.5 mi) into the sky on Tuesday, January 14, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) claiming that a hazardous eruption is "imminent" in a bulletin issued at 13:00 (local time) on Tuesday. Alert Level 4 (second highest on a five-tier scale) remains in place over Taal volcano, meaning that a "hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days."

Schools and government offices were closed in several towns and cities, including Manila, due to ashfall. Significant flight disruptions have been reported, including delays and cancelations of hundreds of flights, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. 

Power outages and disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected in the vicinity of Taal volcano over the coming hours and days, particularly in the event of a hazardous eruption. 

Advice

Individuals present in the affected area are advised to avoid the vicinity of the volcano, monitor the situation, confirm flight reservations, anticipate transportation, business and power disruptions, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin from ashfall.