Taal Volcano eruption causes ashfall in Metro Manila, Calabarzon

Taal Volcano in Batangas began spewing ash on Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2020, leading to ashfall in Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and other surrounding provinces.

The volcano generated an ash column reaching 10 to 15 kilometers high, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to raise the alert level to 4, indicating a hazardous eruption is possible within hours to days.

Residents in several areas, including Calabarzon and Metro Manila, woke up to a thick blanket of ash covering houses, trees, cars, and roads on Monday, January 13, a day after the initial eruption.

Ashfall was reported in provinces across Calabarzon, including Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, with Phivolcs confirming it reached as far as Quezon City in Metro Manila.

Motorists experienced zero visibility in some areas due to dark-gray dusts filling the air, and roads became slippery due to ashfall and rain.

Residents within a 14-km radius of Taal Volcano were immediately evacuated, with some houses showing cracks in the ground.

Residents reported mud rain as ash combined with rainfall, with some evacuees stating mud was ankle-deep before they left their homes.

Face masks were distributed to evacuees for their protection, and appeals were made for food, water, and sleeping mats.