Philippine residents retrieve animals, belongings amid threat of volcano eruption

Dozens of chickens are hauled in a rickshaw as residents affected by the erupting Taal Volcano are temporarily allowed to collect belongings and abandoned animals from their homes in Agoncillo, Batangas, Philippines January 17, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

AGONCILLO, Philippines (Reuters) - Thousands of residents under orders to evacuate from a town near the Philippine volcano Taal were allowed to briefly visit homes on Friday to rescue their animals and recover some possessions, taking advantage of what appeared to be waning activity.

Daniel Reyes, mayor of the Agoncillo town inside the danger zone of the 311 metre (1,020 feet) volcano, said he allowed around 3,000 residents to check their properties and retrieve animals, clothes and other possessions.