MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has advised residents of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas, to evacuate completely after Taal Volcano’s Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) was raised Thursday afternoon.
Phivolcs chief of volcano monitoring division Maria Antonia Bornas announced in a news conference that evacuation was advised in Taal Volcano Island (TVI), Taal Lake, Agoncillo, Batangas (Banyaga, Bilibinwang), and Laurel, Batangas (Gulod, Boso-Boso, Lakeshore Bugaan East).
Evacuation was advised due to the potential dangers of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas stated that the province is prepared for the evacuation and that transportation for the people has already been dispatched.
According to Phivolcs, the Taal Volcano’s main crater generated a short-lived dark phreatomagmatic plume 1 kilometer-high around 3:16 p.m., with no associated volcanic earthquake.
“This means that there is magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions,” it said in an advisory.
Entry inside the TVI, as well as the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, is also restricted, according to the agency.
Communities near the Taal Lake shore are encouraged to follow precautionary measures and to be alert for any lakewater disruptions caused by the unrest.
Bornas stated that the unrest was expected due to the significant sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions seen on June 28 and 29. On June 28, SO2 emissions were 14,326 tonnes per day, the highest level ever recorded in Taal.
“Because of the high SO2 emission, a smog was seen over the Taal Caldera,” she said.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. stated that if the current turmoil persists, the alert level may be raised to 4.
He did, however, mention that if the volcanic activity stops, the level might be reduced.
Bornas stated that if the volcanic activity continues to decrease over the next two weeks, the Taal Volcano’s alert level could be lowered.
Meanwhile, Solidum warned neighboring residents to stay indoors and protect themselves from the harmful effects of SO2.
“There is a continuous upwelling of gas, so Taal (Volcano) could generate SO2,” he said.
However, he alleviated concerns that SO2 emissions could reach Tagaytay because of the SO2’s southwest trajectory.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), prolonged SO2 exposure can cause sore throats and difficulties breathing.
The DOH encourages households to avoid leaving their homes unnecessarily and to shut their doors and windows.
The usage of face mask is also advised by the DOH.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) stated it is constantly monitoring the Taal Volcano situation.
“The NDRRMC is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with all relevant agencies. Currently, the RDRRMC Calabarzon has called an emergency meeting with the Cavite and Batangas LGUs/PDRRMOs as well as with the uniformed services for the coordination of actions (including evacuation),” NDRRMC deputy spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal said.
He went on to say that there is a contingency plan in place for this type of event, which directs the operations of the country’s disaster managers.
