Smog from the Taal Volcano shrouded nearby communities and drifted toward the Philippines' capital Manila today.

The thick haze caused alarm among residents and sparked class suspensions in Batangas province and neighbouring regions, including the Metro Manila area some 65 miles away, on September 22.

Footage shows a blanket of volcanic gas reducing visibility and blotting out the sun.

The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said volcanic smog has been affecting nearby towns in Batangas 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 there 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.