Partial Resumption of Flights at Manila Airport, Philippines, Closed Due to Volcanic Eruption

A volcano erupted on the 12th on an island about 65 km south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, spewing volcanic ash. This view was captured from the Tagaytay area and taken from social media. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The Manila airport in the Philippines, which had been closed due to volcanic ash from a volcanic eruption, partially resumed flight operations at noon on the 13th (local time), according to local media and foreign news agencies.

The Taal volcano, located about 65 km south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, erupted on the 12th. Manila airport completely suspended flight operations as volcanic ash fell on runways and other areas, resulting in the cancellation of more than 500 flights.

Although operations have partially resumed, it seems that it will take more time for all flights to return to normal.

There have been no direct reports of casualties from this volcanic eruption, but numerous traffic accidents have occurred.

In Laguna Province, near the Taal volcano, a truck driver who could not secure visibility due to volcanic ash caused an overturn and collision accident on a curved road, resulting in one death and three injuries.

Government offices and schools in Manila and nearby areas have largely closed or suspended operations.

Meanwhile, starting around 11 a.m. on the 12th, steam activity at the Taal volcano intensified, and by around 7:30 p.m., a tephra (all types of volcanic ejecta such as volcanic ash) column reaching 10 to 15 km in height was formed.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a level 4 alert. This means there is a possibility of another dangerous eruption within hours or days.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.