The violent eruption of the Taal volcano in the Philippines Monday has left images of a desolate landscape full of destroyed houses, a thick layer of ash and buried animal carcasses.

The nation's disaster response team said that at least 30,000 people fled their homes that surrounded the country's second most active volcano on Monday. However, some have elected to go back to tend to or rescue their animals.

In one photograph, a man wearing a mask carries a dog to safety, cradling it like a baby as he walks along the street coated with ash. In other photos, residents lead frightened livestock to boats that float atop blackened waters.

An animal rescue volunteer carries a dog found among deserted homes near the Taal volcano. Credit:AP

Although no deaths have been reported, an estimated $10 million worth of crops and livestock have been damaged by the ongoing eruption, according to the country's agriculture department.