2020–2022 Taal Volcano eruptions

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2020–2022 Taal Volcano eruptions — a short, easy-to-understand version

Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, the Philippines, began a big eruption on January 12, 2020. The event sent a tall ash cloud over Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos. Schools closed, flights were canceled or diverted, and many people had to evacuate. The eruption also dried up Taal’s Main Crater Lake and destroyed Vulcan Point, an island inside the lake.

What happened next (big picture)
- The first eruption lasted from January 12 to January 22, 2020. It was a phreatomagmatic explosion with powerful ash plumes and lava activity.
- PHIVOLCS (the Philippine volcano agency) kept raising alerts as the volcano showed more unrest. Alert Level 4 meant a dangerous, explosive eruption could happen within hours to days.
- The eruption caused ashfall over many areas, affecting air quality and daily life. By mid-January, the lake within the crater had dried up, and the region faced widespread evacuations and disruptions.
- The disaster brought heavy rainfall of ash, disruptions to transportation (including flights at Manila’s airport), and significant economic and agricultural losses.

Key effects and numbers from early 2020
- Evacuations: tens of thousands of people left their homes. About 16,000 families (roughly 70,000 people) were taking shelter in evacuation centers by January 18, and more centers opened in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.
- Deaths: 39 people died in connection with the eruption, mostly due to indirect causes like accidents or health issues during evacuations.
- Air and health: ash fall and gas emissions worsened air quality in many cities, including Metro Manila.
- Earthquakes: many volcanic earthquakes shook the area as magma moved toward the surface.
- Aviation: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) suspended hundreds of flights at the peak of the ash fall; many flights were diverted or rescheduled.
- Agriculture and crops: farmers faced large losses in crops and livestock. Help and loans were offered to support farmers and fishers.

Ongoing unrest and later eruptions
- July 1–9, 2021: A second, smaller eruption occurred. PHIVOLCS recorded multiple shorter eruptions from the Main Crater and notable sulfur dioxide emissions. The activity continued to be unsettling, but the eruptions were shorter and less powerful than in January 2020.
- November 15–22, 2021: A third short series of eruptions happened, with additional minor explosions seen on some nearby webcams.
- March 26–31, 2022: A fourth eruptive phase began, prompting renewed evacuations of nearby residents. This period included toxic plumes and several volcanic earthquakes. The alert level was raised to 3 during this short, intense phase, and about 1,100 residents nearby were evacuated. Sulfur dioxide emissions remained a concern, with thousands of tonnes recorded in a day.

Key details about the danger zone and alerts
- The main danger zone around Taal is 14 kilometers (about 8.7 miles) from the volcano. Many towns and people live or work near the lake, inside or near the danger zone.
- During the 2020 eruption, the alert level rose to Level 4, signaling a likely major eruption. Other periods saw lower levels (Level 2 or 3) as unrest continued or eased.
- By early 2022, authorities reminded residents to stay away from high-risk areas around the volcano island, the crater, and nearby barangays labeled permanent danger zones.

Impact and response
- People and communities: tens of thousands evacuated at various times; many sought shelter in schools and other community centers.
- Health and safety: ash and gas affected air quality; some people faced respiratory issues, especially children and the elderly.
- Economy and livelihoods: crop, fishery, and livestock losses were reported. Aid included food packs, medical supplies, and financial assistance to affected farmers and fishers.
- Government and aid: local and national agencies organized evacuation, relief distribution, and risk reduction measures. International partners contributed in different ways, including emergency supplies and technical support.
- Public life: schools, businesses, and events were disrupted or postponed during and after eruptions. The Philippines also worked to manage price controls on health-related goods during the crisis.

Overall, the 2020–2022 Taal eruptions were a long, multi-year episode of volcanic activity with four main eruptive periods. A large number of residents were displaced at times, flights were disrupted, and the surrounding area faced ash, gas, and climate-related challenges. By 2022, authorities continued to monitor the volcano closely, manage evacuations when needed, and coordinate relief and recovery efforts for affected communities.