These photos show the terrifying power of the Taal volcano

This week, while the bushfires in Australia continue to ravage the landscape, the Philippines have been dealing with a natural disaster of their own.

Taal Volcano, on the island of Luzon, erupted on January 12. Reportedly, it sent ash and steam up to 6-9 miles into the sky – it's now believed that, "a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days."

Evacuations have been ordered for many residents, and ash in the sky is forcing flights to be diverted and cancelled. More than 40,000 people have fled a potential "explosive eruption".

An eruption could even set off a tsunami from the lake under the volcano. Many towns are covered in incredibly thick ashfall.

For people ​nearby, the disaster is absolutely terrifying. But some brave onlookers have overcome their fear to take incredible photos that show the extent of the eruption.

These stunning photos show just how far the smoke, ash and steam from the volcano is reaching:

H/T: BoredPanda

More: Philippines' Taal volcano ejects smoke and ash, villagers flee ​