In Pictures: Philippine Volcano’s Frightening Eruption

Dozens of towns and cities are covered in ash, flights have been grounded and a mass evacuation is underway following the eruption of the Taal Volcano, just 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of the Philippine capital Manila.

And there could be much worse to come, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, with a "hazardous explosive eruption" possible within hours or days.