Philippines cracks down on evacuation as volcano recharges
Philippine authorities on January 20 ordered a crackdown on visits to the danger zone around Taal volcano as scientists warned it could be "recharging" for a more powerful explosion.
Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine authorities on January20 ordered a crackdown on visits to the danger zone around Taal volcano asscientists warned it could be "recharging" for a more powerfulexplosion.
Speaking to the media, Undersecretary for the Department ofInterior of the Philippines Epimaco Densing said not any evacuees are allowedto visit their homes within the 14-kilometre radius of the danger zone.
More than 110,000 people have taken refuge in evacuationcentres since Taal burst to life a week ago, but many hard-hit towns have letresidents back for hours each day to fetch items, feed livestock and clean uptheir houses.
However, seismologists have warned the volcano couldimminently unleash a much bigger eruption.
Taal has erupted more than 30 times in the past fivecenturies, most recently in 1977. The Philippines lies on the "Ring ofFire", a belt of volcanoes girdling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes./.
Philippine aviation authorities on January 12 ordered temporary suspension of flights from/to Ninoy Aquino international airport in Manila capital, as Taal volcano spewed an ash column of 15,000m.
Taal volcano, 90 kilometres to the south of Manila, spewed lava into the air and spread ash across the Philippines, forcing villagers to flee and shut down the capital’s international airports, offices and schools.
Taal volcano, 90 kilometres to the south of the Philippines capital Manila, could spew lava and ash for weeks, local authorities have warned, affecting thousands of peoplewho have already fled their homes.
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Illustrative image (Photo: Internet) 
