Flights cancelled, thousands evacuated as Taal volcano in the Philippines erupts

The eruption of Taal volcano in Batangas province has sent about 10,500 residents fleeing the area, leaving behind their possessions.

Thousands of residents in Batangas, Philippines were forced to evacuate as Taal volcano (right) intensifies. Source: Supplied by Maymerlyn Galabin and Hero Robles

Both international and domestic flights have been cancelled due to the thick volume of ash that reached Metro Manila. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, meanwhile raised Alert Level 4 and warned of subsequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunami.