On Sunday afternoon the Taal Volcano, located 70km from the Philippines’ capital, Manila, had a steam driven explosion. It has since been in a period of unrest, resulting to 75 volcanic earthquakes as of 5am Monday local time.

The government of Batangas province has declared a state of calamity and authorities have begun evacuating residents to neighboring municipalities. A total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island has been ordered.

Lava fountains have been visible from the crater of the volcano. Ashfall has also spread right across the Philippines’ most populous island, Luzon. Local authorities have advised the public to remain indoors and wear protective gear, particularly face masks to prevent inhaling ash.

According to an alert shared at 8am Monday morning local time, a hazardous eruption remains a possibility within the next hours or days.

CARE has deployed a team into the area to assess the needs of affected people.

“CARE and partner teams are ready to provide assistance to those who are affected by the Taal Volcano eruption” said David Gazashvili, Country Director for CARE International in the Philippines.

For Australian media enquiries, contact Iona Salter on 0413 185 634.

Donations can be made to CARE Australia’s Global Emergency Fund.

CARE in the Philippines 

CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949, providing emergency relief when disaster strikes and helping communities prepare for disasters. CARE is currently responding to the recent earthquakes in Mindanao, Typhoon Kammuri in Visayas, and displacement in Marawi, Maguindanao and other areas of Mindanao.