Taal volcano has simmered with smaller ash ejections in recent days after erupting on Jan. 12 with a gigantic plume of steam and ash that drifted northward and reached Manila, the capital, about 65 kilometres away.

The volcano since Sunday has remained at alert level 4, the second-highest warning of a volcano’s danger, indicating a hazardous explosive eruption is possible in hours or days.

More than 5,000 people made the Taal volcano their home despite being designated a permanent danger zone long declared off-limits to human settlements.

Experts say the volcanic lightning in Manila began when water interacted with magma in an explosive fragmentation of hot rock under Lake Taal.

After months of restiveness that began last year, Taal suddenly rumbled back to life Sunday, blasting steam, ash and pebbles up to 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) into the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Police have scaled back a search for the bodies but have said they have not given up hope of finding them.

Waters around the island were contaminated by the massive eruption of rocks, lava and chemicals on Monday, reducing visibility.

Eight military specialists wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatuses landed and are trying to recover the bodies, police said.

The eruption was so silent that Lillani Hopkins didn’t hear it over the hum of the boat’s engines. She didn’t turn around until her dad whacked her.

More than 10,000 people visit the volcano every year.