In Philippines, a volcano has emitted a giant plume of ash, prompting authorities to order evacuation of around 8,000 people living nearby. The plume coming from the Taal volcano, south of the capital Manila, stretched about 1 km into the sky yesterday. Taal is the Philippines’ second-most active volcano.

Authorities raised the level, warning that a “hazardous eruption” was possible within weeks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology also warned residents living nearby of a possible “volcanic tsunami”, while flights were suspended at Manila’s international airport because of the volcanic ash.