Taal Volcano Eruption

Taal volcano, in Batangas province, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, began erupting on 12 January, spewing ash up to 14 kilometers into the air. The volcano, one of the most active in the country, generated ashfalls and volcanic thunderstorms, forcing evacuations from the surrounding area. The eruption progressed into a magmatic eruption, characterized by a lava fountain with thunder and lightning. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, nearly 750,000 people were affected by the eruption. Damage to infrastructure and livelihoods was put at around US$70 million.