The Taal Volcano spewed gas plumes up to 3,000 metres high and sent volcanic smog towards nearby villages in the Philippines.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the increased seismic activity between June 3 evening to June 4 noon.

Footage shows a tall column of steam and smoke erupting from the crater in Batangas province.

The agency said in a June 4 report that the 'increased degassing activity' from the volcano produced voluminous steam-rich plumes rising to 3,000 metres above the Taal Volcano Island.

PHIVOLCS said: 'Volcanic smog was reported this morning by residents of the municipalities of Balete, Laurel, and Agoncillo, Batangas.

'A total of 5,831 tonnes per day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was recorded last 1 June, which was higher than last month's average of 3,556 tonnes per day.'

Pregnant women, children, and the elderly, especially those with underlying health conditions, were advised to stay indoors as the fumes were hazardous to their health.

Speaking to local media, PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said: 'We remind residents to limit their outdoor activities as much as possible. They have to wear masks if they go outside.

'As of now, Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1. It might lead to a volcanic eruption, but it might not. Under Alert Level 1, there is the possibility of a sudden explosion - steam or phreatic explosion. That's why we are closely monitoring the volcano.'

According to PHIVOLCS, Alert Level 1 indicates 'low level of volcanic unrest'. It warned there may be steam-driven or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.