The Philippine province of Batangas has declared a "state of calamity" as ash from a major volcanic eruption prompted more than 10,000 residents in the region to evacuate.
The eruption occurred on Sunday near the crater of the Taal volcano on the island of Luzon, about 60 kilometers south of the capital, Manila.
Officials said plumes of volcanic smoke rose around 15,000 meters.
Volcanic ash fell across the region. In the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, large numbers of residents are taking refuge in shelters. Local officials estimate that there are around 18,000 evacuees.
After the declaration, the central government sent military troops and medical staff to the disaster areas. The military personnel are delivering food and emergency relief supplies, while the doctors are treating people who have developed eye and respiratory problems from the volcanic ash.
NHK
