Signs of new life seen in Laurel town beside Taal Lake

The town of Laurel in Batangas, which sits by the shores of Taal Lake, was one of those heavily affected by ashfall from Taal Volcano the past week.

Thick ash fell on houses and fields, and claimed the lives of many animals, as seen in photos taken by GMA News' Chino Gaston, according to a report by GMA News' Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Death came for this reptile while trying to escape the ill-effects of volcanic ash. pic.twitter.com/HTtqyX4eEx

— Chino Gaston (@chinogaston) January 15, 2020

This heron must have lived for a few days before succumbing to a slow, creeping death while trapped in ash. pic.twitter.com/yeETdmwqS0

— Chino Gaston (@chinogaston) January 15, 2020

A frog remains frozen in ash inside the danger zone of Taal Volcano. pic.twitter.com/INPIIutucY

— Chino Gaston (@chinogaston) January 15, 2020

However, amid the grey landscape, signs of new life sprouted, with green shoots breaking through dry ash-covered ground and leaves appearing on trees, seemingly conveying a message of hope to residents.

A van is covered with ash in Laurel, Batangas on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, following Taal Volcano's eruption. Beside it though is a tree with new leaves sprouting, signifying signs of new life. The town of Laurel has been blanketed by ash and many homes collapsed as a result. Alert Level 4 remains in effect over Taal Volcano on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within hours to days. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

New leaves grow from an ash-covered plant in Laurel, Batangas on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, following Taal Volcano's eruption. The town of Laurel has been blanketed by ash and many homes collapsed as a result. Alert Level 4 remains in effect over Taal Volcano on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within hours to days. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

A nearby town, Agoncillo, also showed signs of life.

A banana seedling pushes its way through the ash as life goes on in Agoncillo town. pic.twitter.com/q9JL6ezKKo

— Chino Gaston (@chinogaston) January 17, 2020

Laurel has been placed on lockdown as it is within the 14-kilometer radius from the Taal Volcano crater.

Residents have since sought shelter at evacuation centers in the province. —KG, GMA News