Minor eruption logged in Taal

MANILA, Philippines — A five-minute phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas on Thursday night, generating a dark gray plume that rose 4,000 meters above the crater.

Health authorities advised residents in the towns of Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas and Taal to wear face masks to protect themselves from ashfall.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the eruption was followed by five volcanic earthquakes and a tremor lasting 38 minutes.

Taal remains under Alert Level 1. Entry into Taal Volcano island, particularly the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures are prohibited as well as boating in Taal Lake and flying an aircraft near the volcano.