Taal volcano erupts in the Philippines

The Taal volcano, a volcano in the Philippines, started to erupt on Jan. 12. The volcano began spewing ash, generating volcanic lightning and blanketing nearby areas, encrusting roads, trees and even homes. As of now, the volcano has been plagued with seismic activity, leaving scientists and authorities worried for another, potentially larger eruption.

Tremors are still ongoing, with some 666 volcanic earthquakes having been recorded since the eruption began. They have opened large cracks in nearby roads, as reported by CNN. The volcanic alert level also still remains at a four out of five. As of now, experts cannot predict when, or if, the volcano will ultimately explode or when it will eventually settle down.

Though the Taal volcano is one of the smallest volcanoes on the planet at 311 meters high, it can be highly dangerous. The Taal volcano erupted and killed 1,300 people in 1911, according to Reuters. 

According to The Independent, more than 53,000 residents living around the Taal volcano have fled their homes for evacuation centers, with many leaving almost all of their possessions behind. Thousands more have refused to leave or have returned to their homes to check on the current state of their affairs. Those that have returned have discovered their homes damaged and blanketed in ash and mud with no access to power or freshwater. 

A larger eruption could be lethal. According to CNN, fragments of magma could violently expel from the volcano, pyroclastic flows could destroy everything in its path in a “volcanic tsunami,” putting residents at risk of inhaling toxic gases emitted during the eruption and even contaminating air and water supplies in distant locations.

Reuters reported that as of Jan. 16, there is a desperate need for clean water, latrines and basic healthcare among residents who have been displaced since the eruption.

However, there has since been no response from those outside of the Philippines, including the U.S., to reach out and provide support. Those affected are hoping their own government can help them to rebuild their lives.

Multiple Montgomery County students have heard about the Taal volcano eruption in the Philippines and were in agreement about the gravity of the situation.

“It’s a pretty bad situation right now, and I hope that they’re able to get everything resolved soon,” Rockville junior Amaris Alonzo-Romero said. “I’m also hoping the volcano doesn’t erupt again and cause more damage.”

“It’s pretty sad. I think I saw an article somewhere on a family who returned to their home when they weren’t supposed to and ended up being hurt or dying,” Rockville senior Miguee Abundo said. “Hopefully, the volcano won’t erupt again and people will stop trying to return to their homes for now.”

Students also shared what measures they thought should be taken by the government. 

“I think the government definitely needs to try their best to keep people away from their homes for now, but make sure to support the people that have evacuated because they don’t have the means to,” Rockville senior Clemson Casilag said.

Article by Alexandra Amaya of Rockville High School

Photos Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons