PNA
30 Mar 2022, 14:24 GMT+10
MANILA - The alert status in Taal Volcano is likely to remain at Level 3 (magmatic unrest) and could be further downgraded if volcanic activity continues to go down without any explosions in the next two weeks.
"At present, the alert level 3 status could be sustained. If the (volcanic activity) would continuously decrease starting today, and there are no explosions, we could de-escalate its alert status within two weeks," Philippine Institute of Volcano and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum Jr. told President Rodrigo Duterte in the latter's Talk to the People Tuesday night.
Taal Volcano erupted in January 2020, July 2021, and last Saturday, March 26.
"If we compare the eruption in January 2020 as opposed to the eruption last Saturday, the recent eruption was much smaller. The height of the eruption column reached 16 kilometers in 2020, versus 3 kilometers (tall) last Saturday," he said.
Volcanic plumes are columns of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption. A weaker eruption is based on the height of the plume coming out of the crater.
Phivolcs on Saturday raised the alert level of the Taal Volcano from Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Level 3, which means that magma extruding from the main crater could drive explosive eruptions.
"We recommended the evacuation from barangays Agoncillo, Banyaga, Bilibinwang, Laurel, Boso-Boso, Gulod, and eastern part ng Bugaan East," Solidum said, adding that these are the areas that could be mostly affected should there be bigger eruptions.
Solidum, meanwhile, noted that the sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano is harmful to one's health.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who was also in the President's talk, said people should stay indoors, avoid opening the windows and doors, use wet curtains, and wear face masks.
Prepare a medicine supply for asthma and other allergies that could be triggered by ash fall, Duque added.
The Health chief also advised the use of protective goggles and avoid wearing of contact lenses. Food safety should also be ensured by washing it thoroughly and drinking water should be sealed, he said. (PNA)
Get a daily dose of Manila Metro news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Manila Metro.
More InformationSINGAPORE: BOC Aviation is betting big on the future of air travel, placing major orders with both Airbus and Boeing as it moves to...
TOKYO, Japan: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Japan is essential for handling China's aggression, especially in the Taiwan...
TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan's leadership was on high alert ahead of the U.S. tariff announcement, with President Lai Ching-te convening...
TOKYO, Japan: Toyota is showing signs of a steady rebound in its home market, posting a second straight month of rising global output...
ANDONG, South Korea: Wildfires in South Korea have doubled in size in just one day, making them the country's worst fire disaster....
MELBOURNE, Victoria - If a federal election were held today, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) would be re-elected with an increased...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Boeing's top executive faced lawmakers on April 2 as the company worked to repair its reputation following a string...
PRESCOTT, Arizona: More than 1,000 firefighters and fire managers recently trained at the annual wildfire academy in Arizona. They...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: A former New York City Fire Department chief has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for...
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio: Norfolk Southern wants two other companies to help pay for the $600 million settlement it agreed to after a major...
BISHOP, California: A fast-growing wildfire in California's Eastern Sierra region has burned 1,000 acres and forced people to leave...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A U.S. passenger plane getting ready to take off and a military jet coming in were told to change course to avoid...