The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised a public warning of Alert Level #4 after Taal Volcano, the country’s second most active volcano, has begun spewing lava. According to the agency, an “explosive eruption” may happen “within hours or days.”

Located in the province of Batangas and about 70 kilometers south of Manila, Taal began releasing ash and lava, prompting massive evacuation, suspension of classes, and closure of airports.

Alert Level #4 has already been raised after Taal Volcano started erupting.

Thus, an evacuation is a must, according to the government.

Rescuers have since helped thousands of residents relocate to evacuation centers.

In an interview with CNN, PHIVOLCS director Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said:

“The volcano is inside a bigger crater or basin or bowl, which is why people would have to evacuate horizontally and away from the crater…. People need to get out of the island as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, ash falls have been experienced in multiple locations, including Metro Manila.

Officials have encouraged people to stay indoors or wear masks when going outside.

Batangas has already been declared under the state of calamity and PHIVOLCS warns volcanic a tsunami is possible if Taal reaches alert level 5.

Watch this video report for more details:

A complex volcano, Taal has erupted at least 34 times within the last 450 years.

Despite its small size, it is classified as one of the world’s dangerous volcanoes.

Taal’s highest elevation is only at 311 meters, making it one of the world’s lowest volcanoes. It is known as a popular tourist destination in the country.

According to history, Taal’s first recorded eruption was in 1572 and its last one happened in 1977.

More than 1,300 lives were lost in a violent 1911 eruption.

In 1754, another eruption – its biggest, so far – lasted for 7 months from May to December.