Taal Volcano, Philippines

Taal Volcano, situated on Luzon Island in the Philippines, erupted in January 2020 after a 43-year period of relative dormancy. This sudden eruption unleashed a massive plume of ash and steam that reached heights visible from Manila, the capital city. The eruption prompted the evacuation of over 100,000 residents from nearby areas due to the risks posed by ashfall and potential volcanic tsunamis in Taal Lake.

The environmental impact was severe, affecting air quality across the region and contaminating local water supplies. Taal's eruption highlighted the unpredictable nature of volcanoes in densely populated areas and underscored the ongoing need for monitoring and preparedness in volcanic hazard zones.