Taal Volcano eruption: Philippine nationals in Hong Kong worry about relatives’ safety as flights between city and Manila cancelled

Thousands of Filipinos in Hong Kong left alarmed after volcano triggers at least 75 earthquakes on Monday morning

At least 20 flights between Hong Kong and Manila, including those run by Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines, diverted or cancelled

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An eruption at Taal Volcano, south of Manila, triggered about 75 earthquakes on Monday. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:21pm, 13 Jan 2020Updated: 3:15pm, 14 Jan 2020

A volcanic eruption in the Philippines has caused the cancellation of flights between Hong Kong and Manila and left Filipino residents in the city worried about their relatives’ safety.

The eruption at Taal Volcano, 65km south of the capital, has forced thousands to be evacuated from the capital and the closure of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport since Sunday evening.

At least 20 flights, including those run by Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines, had been diverted or cancelled between Hong Kong and Manila on Monday morning, according to website Flightaware. In total more than 500 flights were cancelled by 3pm.

The Hong Kong Airport Authority did not confirm the number of flights cancelled.

The Philippine consulate in Hong Kong said it was closely monitoring the situation and helping travellers stranded at Hong Kong airport.