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In the Philippines, seven days after the awakening of the Taal volcano, which continues to release ash, most of the hotels in the area remain closed. In Tagaytay, the city which overlooks the lake of the Taal volcano, tourists have deserted the surroundings.
From our special correspondent , Marianne Dardard
From the panoramic terrace of his hotel, still covered in ashes, Dominico Nadera watches the crater covered in smoke, like milk on a fire. " In a way, it's beautiful to look at ... from a distance. But for the people living on the slopes of the volcano and directly hit, it's terrible. "
Located inside the 14 km zone declared high risk around the volcano, Tagaytay is the only city not yet to have evacuated its inhabitants. " The city has ordered the closure of all establishments, especially those on the mountainside, because of the risk of an earthquake in the event of an explosive eruption ," continues Domenico Nadera.
" We cannot also reopen because since the first tremors neither the current nor the water has been restored, " says Lerito Reyes, another hotelier. On Friday morning, the Philippine authorities maintained alert level 4 out of 5. “ The hotel is empty. We come to Tagaytay essentially the view of the volcano. Without tourists, we are a ghost town . ” The rash could last for weeks or even months.
Around the Taal volcano, the landscapes completely covered with ash are lunar.
REUTERSThe ash present throughout the city gives the impression that the city has no color.
REUTERSAnimals are also affected by the Taal volcano eruption. Horses, which transport tourists to the top of the volcano, are the main livelihood for smallholders on the island.
REUTERSPineapple plantation in Tagaytay, January 15, 2020.
REUTERSEven the McDonald's brand in Tagaytay did not resist the fallout from volcanic ash.
REUTERSTourists deserted Tagaytay hotels on January 14, 2020.
REUTERS / Eloisa LopezTagaytay swimming pool