Volcano eruption
Schools and companies in the Philippine capital, Manila, suspended their activities today, Monday, after the volcano launched clouds of ash across the city, and earthquake experts warned of the possibility of its eruption at any time and the occurrence of a tsunami.
The authorities forced thousands of people to leave their homes around "Tal", one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world, which puffed ash for the second day of its crater in the middle of a lake 70 km south of Manila.
The ashes reached more than 100 km north, and reached the bustling capital of Manila, forcing it to close the main airport in the country and cancel more than 500 international and domestic flights so far.
"The speed of volcanic activity surprised us," Maria Antonia Burnas, head of research at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told reporters.
"We spotted lava. It is still deep and has not reached the surface yet. But we expect a dangerous eruption at any time."
The authorities have warned that the eruption could lead to "tsunami" waves in the lake.
The authorities evacuated more than 16,000 people from the volcanic island and the surrounding area, a popular tourist destination. Dozens of earthquakes have caused concern to residents.
Some residents were unable to leave the ash-covered villages due to lack of transportation and poor visibility. Officials said that some refused to leave their homes and farms.
After months of silence, the activity of the volcano "Tale" suddenly returned, on Sunday, where steam, ash and pebbles reached a distance of 10 to 15 kilometers in the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Lava flowing from the volcano's openings fell into the lake surrounding the crater
On Sunday, the institute raised the risk level around "Tal" to the fourth level, indicating "a rocky move that may lead the current activity."
Renato Solidum, who heads the institute, said that the fifth level, which is the highest level, means that a serious eruption is taking place and could affect a larger area with a higher risk, which necessitates the evacuation of the population in the region.
# The Philippines, # Volcano, Manila
Source: Reuters
Volcano eruption
