By Honorary Reporter Diana Kassandra Almarez from the Philippines

Photos = Korean Embassy in Taguig

Taal Volcano erupted on Jan. 12 on an island about 65 kilometers south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

After the ash cloud reached 50,000 feet into the atmosphere, aviation officials ordered a suspension of flights to and from the capital's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. An estimated 1 million people were affected by the eruption, with about 200,000 of them staying at shelters and some 800,000 being outside the shelters or at relatives' homes. An evacuation was ordered for everyone living within a 14-km radius of the volcano, with 10 areas blocked and two partially closed.

The Korean government provided USD 200,000 to the Philippine Red Cross to facilitate relief operations in communities affected by the eruption. This aid will help some 45,000 people displaced by the disaster.

Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man conveyed his sympathy to the families deeply affected by the eruption. Han and Philippine Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, held talks on the matter on Jan. 17 at PRC Tower in Mandaluyong.

Korea was one of the first countries to send humanitarian assistance for the victims of the Taal eruption. Seoul has generously provided humanitarian aid to the Philippines in the past, including USD 200,000 for the victims of the eruption of Mount Mayon in February 2018.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean