LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines — At least 9,000 residents from two towns in Batangas province were evacuated to temporary shelters on Saturday, hours after Taal Volcano exploded early in the morning, sending steam-laden grayish plumes 3 kilometers into the sky.

Taal volcano eruption forces thousands to seek safer ground in the Philippines. MANILA, Philippines - An erupting volcano spewed lava into the air and spread ash across the Philippines on Monday, as desperate residents packed up their belongings and waited for help, while others fled so quickly they left behind their sandals.