The most violent eruption of the Taal Volcano occurred in 1754 lasting more than eight months. The ejecta from the volcano devastated the towns around the lake covering them with layers of deposits. The townspeople of Taal, together with their parish priest, fled from their capital and sought refuge at the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay. Layers of ejecta and deposits blocked the entrance of Pansipit River, which eventually raised the water of the lake, permanently flooding parts of Tanauan, Lipa, Sala, Bauan and Taal. All five towns relocated to higher ground, away from the volcano and lake. The present town center of Taal was established on a hillside near the Caysasay Shrine, overlooking Balayan Bay. The townspeople believed that the image saved the town of Taal during eruptions of Taal Volcano.