MANILA (Reuters – Two plumes were released by a small volcano in the Philippines, near Manila. This indicates that it is still active and authorities are urging residents to avoid any potential danger.

The Taal volcano, located in Batangas, south of Manila, erupted a plume of 800 metres high and another of 400 metres. The eruption was the result of superhot magma interfacing with water. It took place from Saturday’s main crater.

In the 24 hours following the eruption, 14 volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the seismology-volcanology agency around Taal.

It stated that “Activity at main crater was dominated upwelling hot volcanic fluids within its lake” in a bulletin. This warned of possible volcanic tsunamis should more powerful eruptions occur.

Taal volcano’s alert level 3 on the 5-level scale remained unchanged. This indicates that there is “a magmatic intrusion in the main crater, which could further drive future eruptions”.

According to President Rodrigo Duterte, his office was monitoring the situation closely. It said that nearly 3,000 people were evacuated to temporary shelters as of Sunday.

Taal released a 15-kilometer high column of steam and ash, forcing over 100,000 people to flee. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, and the ash was so heavy that it reached Manila.

In 1911, more than 1300 people were killed in the Taal volcano.