[kellyhound]

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reports that the Taal volcano experienced a sudden, violent phreatomagmatic eruption today. The explosive blast rocked the Batangas province at exactly 6:06 PM local time, shooting a massive, dark gray column of ash and steam 4,000 meters (4 kilometers) into the sky.

The five-minute eruption triggered immediate concerns as the billowing ash cloud was momentarily streaked with dramatic volcanic lightning. State volcanologists confirmed the event was caused by a phreatomagmatic reaction, which occurs when hot magma comes into direct, violent contact with the water of the crater lake.

Thin ashfall is expected in the southwestern lakeshore municipalities of Batangas, including Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas, and Taal. Residents in these areas are advised to wear N95 face masks due to poor air quality, and entry into the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains strictly prohibited.