Thousands are fleeing when a Philippine volcano erupts, releasing toxic gases | Mountain Stories

The volcanic eruption has been hitting sulfur dioxide for several days, creating black smoke and health warnings.

More than 2,000 people have been forced out of their homes by a volcanic eruption in Taal in the Philippines as they began to evaporate, fill with toxic fumes and health warnings.

After sitting in the beautiful sea, Taal has been spraying sulfur dioxide for several days, making Manoah and several surrounding areas dry.

At least 2,400 people have fled since the government called for them to relocate to the coast, Joselito Castro, the regional disaster manager, told AFP.

“We expect more people to evacuate in the coming days,” he said, adding that he wanted to flee to schools closed by the coronavirus or in homes of relatives.

Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, regularly hit by volcanic eruptions due to its presence in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” – the site of major earthquakes.

It is located 50km (30 miles) south of Manila and last week exploded smoke that extinguished the sun.

Security officials have warned that more than 317,000 people could be at risk of releasing toxic fumes as a result of the explosions.

‘We do not feel safe’

In Agoncillo, a town about 70 miles[120 km]south of Manila, police with megaphones went from house to house asking people to leave.

Citizens have a few hours to protect their property and move to a safer place – once again. In January last year, the first Taal explosion, erupting 15km (9 miles) of volcanic ash, destroyed many homes, killed livestock and sent more than 135,000 people into camps.

Some families were now reluctant to leave their homes, worried about the emergence of COVID-19 in densely populated areas.

“We don’t feel safe in the shelter, so we will be with our relatives,” Agoncillo resident Ramon Anete told Al Jazeera.

In the heart of Laurel, survivor Imelda Reyes said it was heartbreaking to see her children suffer.

“I don’t know what to say anymore,” he told Al Jazeera, trying not to hold back tears. “I’m just praying. It’s very difficult. ”

In the middle of the hall, another survivor, Imelda Calapatiya, was also worried.

“Is it a volcano, is it sick, sick of COVID?” He asked. “It is very difficult to have many children. I can’t sleep I’m just thinking about this. ”