1.
Travel shot across Lake Taal
2 ft

2.
GV Taal volcano
5 ft

3.
Black lava at foot of volcano
8 ft

4.
Scientist pointing to steam
11 ft

5.
Various shots of steam rising from fissures
30 ft

6.
Boat approaches village
32 ft

7.
Villager ploughing field
38 ft

8.
Villagers around house
41 ft

9.
Woman sewing
43 ft

10.
Villagers under tree
46 ft

11.
BV tracking shot across Lake Taal
48 ft



Initials jt/vs/ac



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the Philippines, the famous Taal volcano is rumbling and steaming, leading scientists to predict an imminent eruption.

The volcano - in the middle of Lake Taal 35 miles south of Manila - last blew its top in 1965, claiming hundreds of lives.

For the past month it has been showing signs of renewed activity. Steam and fumes have been pouring from the gaping fissures near the cone and up to 16 earth tremors have been recorded on the island within a 24-hour period.

The Philippines Commission on Volcanology has mounted a round-the-clock watch for signs of an eruption. Police have ordered the evacuation of all villagers living on the lava island and Red Cross workers have been put on full alert.

Some villagers, however, have refused to leave - despite the memory of hundreds of them being buried alive when Taal first erupted sixty years ago.