Volcanic smog shrouded an island in the Philippines in an eerie gray haze sparking panic this morning - with residents fleeing for cleaner regions.

Footage shows the thick gas from the Taal Volcano obscuring the surroundings as a boat headed back to shore in Tingloy town in Batangas province on September 22.

Worried resident James Roche Manalo said: 'The smog was quite severe. The neighbouring islands which are usually visible on a clear day were obscured by the thick haze.'

The volcanic smog, also called vog, sparked class suspensions in Batangas province and neighbouring regions, including the Metro Manila area some 65 miles away.

The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said vog has been affecting towns near the Taal Volcano since the start of September.

On Thursday, September 21, more than 40 students were hospitalised after complaining of chest pains, dizziness, and itchy throats and skin.

Philippine seismological agency PHIVOLCS said continuous gas upwelling was observed at the volcano's crater, with steam plumes reaching up to 2400 metres high.

PHIVOLCS said: 'Vog (volcanic smog) has been affecting the Taal region since the first week of September 2023 as an average of 3,402 tons per day SO2 has been degassed from Taal Volcano for the month.'

Residents have been urged to stay indoors, and to wear masks when venturing outside.

The Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest without an imminent eruption.

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands inside the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where the majority of Earth's volcano eruptions and earthquakes happen.