The Taal volcano erupted Sunday on the Philippine island of Luzon, spewing ash up to 9 miles in the air and forcing large-scale evacuations.

The eruption has left behind a desolate landscape of destroyed houses and snapped trees covered in a thick layer of heavy ash.

Volcanologists warn that further eruptions are possible.

Clouds rise over the Taal volcano on January 19.
Clouds rise over the Taal volcano on January 19.
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
Evacuees rest at a government complex used as an evacuation center in Tagaytay on January 18.
Evacuees rest at a government complex used as an evacuation center in Tagaytay on January 18.
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
A man clears ash from the roof of his truck at a fishing harbor in Laurel on January 17.
A man clears ash from the roof of his truck at a fishing harbor in Laurel on January 17.
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
The Philippine province of Batangas is one of the areas affected by the eruption of the Taal volcano. Many animals had to be left behind as residents evacuated the danger zone.
The Philippine province of Batangas is one of the areas affected by the eruption of the Taal volcano. Many animals had to be left behind as residents evacuated the danger zone.
Alejandro Ernesto/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Evacuees rest at an evacuation center in Batangas on Wednesday, January 15.
Evacuees rest at an evacuation center in Batangas on Wednesday, January 15.
Alejandro Ernesto/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Volcano-affected residents ride along an ash-covered road on January 15. They were returning to evacuation centers after inspecting their homes in Agoncillo.
Volcano-affected residents ride along an ash-covered road on January 15. They were returning to evacuation centers after inspecting their homes in Agoncillo.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
A volunteer carries a dog he rescued from deserted homes in Talisay.
A volunteer carries a dog he rescued from deserted homes in Talisay.
Aaron Favila/AP
Vegetation is burnt near the site of the volcano.
Vegetation is burnt near the site of the volcano.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
A family crosses a road that was damaged by volcanic tremors in Lemery.
A family crosses a road that was damaged by volcanic tremors in Lemery.
Rolex Dela Pena/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A resident cleans ash from his roof in Agoncillo on Tuesday, January 14.
A resident cleans ash from his roof in Agoncillo on Tuesday, January 14.
Rolex Dela Pena/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Volunteers save animals that were left behind in Batangas.
Volunteers save animals that were left behind in Batangas.
Stringer/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
People watch the erupting volcano from Tagaytay on January 14.
People watch the erupting volcano from Tagaytay on January 14.
Aaron Favila/AP
Leila de Castro carries a religious statue recovered from a family member's house as she walks along an ash-covered road in Boso-Boso on January 14.
Leila de Castro carries a religious statue recovered from a family member's house as she walks along an ash-covered road in Boso-Boso on January 14.
Aaron Favila/AP
Men carry piglets that were rescued in Talisay on January 14.
Men carry piglets that were rescued in Talisay on January 14.
Aaron Favila/AP
Ash coats the roofs of homes in Tagaytay on January 14.
Ash coats the roofs of homes in Tagaytay on January 14.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
A resident cleans the roof of his house in Tagaytay.
A resident cleans the roof of his house in Tagaytay.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
Evacuees line up to have their children checked by medical personnel at an evacuation center in Tanauan.
Evacuees line up to have their children checked by medical personnel at an evacuation center in Tanauan.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
A family flees to safer ground as the volcano produces ash in Tagaytay on Monday, January 13.
A family flees to safer ground as the volcano produces ash in Tagaytay on Monday, January 13.
Aaron Favila/AP
Erman Batan reacts over her missing husband, Roberto, whom she had not seen since they evacuated their home in Tagaytay on January 13.
Erman Batan reacts over her missing husband, Roberto, whom she had not seen since they evacuated their home in Tagaytay on January 13.
Aaron Favila/AP
Residents prepare their boats to evacuate Talisay on January 13.
Residents prepare their boats to evacuate Talisay on January 13.
Jes Aznar/The New York Times/Redux
Villagers rest on stairs in Batangas.
Villagers rest on stairs in Batangas.
Dante Diosina Jr/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A youth rides an outrigger canoe while the volcano spews ash on January 13.
A youth rides an outrigger canoe while the volcano spews ash on January 13.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
A Tanauan resident uses a shovel to clear mud and ash.
A Tanauan resident uses a shovel to clear mud and ash.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
Lightning strikes as a column of ash surrounds the crater of the Taal volcano on Sunday, January 12.
Lightning strikes as a column of ash surrounds the crater of the Taal volcano on Sunday, January 12.
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
People in Tagaytay watch plumes of smoke and ash rise from the volcano on January 12.
People in Tagaytay watch plumes of smoke and ash rise from the volcano on January 12.
Aaron Favila/AP
Villagers take shelter inside a church in Talisay.
Villagers take shelter inside a church in Talisay.
Francis R. Malasig/EPA/Shutterstock
Residents evacuate Tagaytay on January 12.
Residents evacuate Tagaytay on January 12.
Aaron Favila/AP
A column of ash surrounds the crater of the Taal volcano.
A column of ash surrounds the crater of the Taal volcano.
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
An ash column looms over Tagaytay.
An ash column looms over Tagaytay.
Francis R. Malasig/EPA/Shutterstock
Talisay residents use plastic bags to shield themselves from ash mixed with rainwater.
Talisay residents use plastic bags to shield themselves from ash mixed with rainwater.
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
A Talisay resident splashes water on a vehicle covered in ash.
A Talisay resident splashes water on a vehicle covered in ash.
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
People take photos of the eruption on January 12.
People take photos of the eruption on January 12.
Bullit Marquez/AFP/Getty Images