Horror, fear and beauty: the full power of Taal volcano in photos

The eruption of the Taal volcano has begun in the Philippines. The authorities warn of possible "explosive activity" that will endanger the lives of 200 thousand people. The ash column reached a height of one kilometer. The fourth level of danger out of five possible was declared and evacuation began in nearby cities. Manila International Airport, located 85 kilometers from the volcano, suspended flights. Eyewitnesses of what is happening share impressive footage of the elements on the web.

The eruption of the Taal volcano 65 kilometers from the capital of the Philippines, Manila, began on Monday, January 13, in the Philippines. Following the columns of ash and steam that were observed the day before, lava flows began to erupt from the volcano. At the same time, seismologists observe lightning discharges over the crater caused by static electricity. Seismologists have warned that an "explosive eruption" is possible in the coming "hours or days", then up to 200 thousand residents of the region will be at risk.

45,000 people, including tourists, have already been evacuated from the volcanic activity zone. One person died during the evacuation when his truck overturned on a sharp turn due to poor visibility caused by an ash cloud. It rose to a height of 15 kilometers and covered an area of up to a hundred kilometers in radius from the volcano. 75 tremors were recorded.

Taal volcano is very attractive for tourists: the crater is located on an island in the center of the lake, which was formed due to volcanic activity. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Phivolcs, Taal has erupted a total of 33 times since 1572. In 1911, it caused the death of 1,300 people, and the last time its activity was recorded in 1977.