HUNDREDS of families from the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas were evacuated from their homes as Taal Volcano continuously show signs of unrest since last Saturday. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, more phreatomagmatic bursts were reported, which occurred at 4:34 a.m. and 5:04 a.m. on Sunday as high as 800 meters and 400 meters respectively.
On Saturday, the volcano was placed under Alert Level 3 following a series of short phreatomagmatic bursts recorded at 7:22 a.m. on Saturday, with plumes reaching as high as 1,500 meters.
Phivolcs said a phreatomagmatic burst is a result of new magma and water interacting.
The activity was accompanied by volcanic earthquake and infrasound signals.
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council spokesperson Mark Timbal said 160 families consisted of around 800 to 900 individuals were evacuated to five schools and one covered court in Agoncillo while 81 families consisted of 222 individuals were rescued in Laurel town.
The NDRRMC said evacuation was immediately implemented in the high-risk barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga in Agoncillo town; Boso-Boso and Bugaan East in Laurel town; and Gulod in Calatagan town, which are all located within the seven-kilometer danger zone from the Taal Volcano main crater.
“Residents of the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, and follow authorities’ warnings and advisories,” the NDRRMC said in a statement.
SULFUR-SMELLING ASHFALL OBSERVED
Phivolcs on Saturday night said sulfur-smelling wet ashfall was reported in Taal Volcano and in the surrounding shores in Batangas.
The ashfall was experienced on Taal Volcano Island on Calauit in Balete and Alas-as in San Nicolas shorelines and on the lakeshore of Banyaga in Agoncillo, Batangas.
The Department of Health advised affected people to stay indoors. The use of N95 mask, goggles, or eyeglasses was also encouraged.
The DOH warned that ashfall may cause eye irritation, cough, bronchitis-like illness, discomfort while breathing, nose and throat irritation.
Those with asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis were told to avoid exposure to volcanic ash.
PALACE URGED RESIDENTS TO REMAIN VIGILANT
Malacañang on Sunday urged residents near the vicinity of Taal Volcano to remain vigilant amid Taal Volcano’s rumbling.
Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said the Executive Department is closely monitoringthe situation in areas near Taal Volcano.
He urged residents of affected barangays and communities to remain alert and vigilant, get news updates from trusted sources and authorities, and cooperate with concerned agencies while the volcano situation is being monitored for any developments.
