The Taal volcano erupted on January 12, triggering a level 4 alert. It is the first major jump in activity in more than forty years, with a column of ash and steam rising up to fifteen kilometers. Flights, classes, and public functions have already been suspended in the region, and immediate efforts are focused on evacuating nearly half a million people within the danger zone. Several photographers are on the ground, and the images they have captured in the last 48 hours take our breath away…
Aerial shots, spectacular volcanic lightning, an endless column, ash covering everything, and at the same time... the people. Couples getting married, children playing on the beach. The Taal volcano may have put the Philippines in check, but one thing is certain: despite the suspensions and evacuation processes, life goes on.
The most critical area reaches a radius of 14 kilometers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that there are about 460,000 people within that perimeter, and given the enormous possibility of an increase in volcanic activity, they must leave as soon as possible. Material losses will be inevitable, but so far no casualties have been recorded, and we hope it stays that way.
