Taal Volcano updates
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issues a notice reporting an increased and continuous degassing activity from Taal Volcano.
In its 6 p.m. advisory, Phivolcs says the sulfur dioxide emission from the main crater reached 9762 tonnes per day. This was the higher recorded this year.
Phivolcs adds that there was no smog or vog observed. — Rosette Adel
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1.
In an update on Wednesday, its says that the daily sulfur dioxide emissions (SO2) reached 2887 tonnes / day (06 October 2023).
Phivolcs also observes upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake. — Rosette Adel
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reports that Taal Volcano's daily sulfur dioxide emissions (SO2) reached 2887 tonnes.
It observes upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake as well as volcanic smog or vog.
The volcano's emissions are also 2400 meters tall. — Rosette Adel
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology releases time-lapse snapshots of degassing activity from the Taal Main Crater and volcanic smog or vog formation on Sunday.
These were taken from 5:45 a.m. to 11:42 a.m. by the Mt. Macolot, Cuenca, Batangas station (VTCU) IP Camera.
LOOK: Time-lapse snapshots of degassing activity from the Taal Main Crater and volcanic smog or vog formation taken from 05:45 AM to 11:42 AM today, 8 October 2023 by the Mt. Macolot, Cuenca, Batangas station (VTCU) IP Camera. pic.twitter.com/jp48R1IZQy
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) October 8, 2023
— Rosette Adel
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology records daily sulfur dioxide emissions that reached 2730 tonnes / day (22 September 2023).
It also observes upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake and observed VOG.
Phivolcs adds that there is a ong-term deflation of the Taal Caldera; short-term inflation of the northern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reports that alert level 1is maintained over Taal Volcano.
In the past 24 hours, it records daily sulfur dioxide emissions that reached 2730 tonnes / day (22 September 2023). There was also pronounced upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake and VOG is observed.
The volcano's plume emissions are 2400 meters tall; Voluminous emission; north-northwest drift.
Alert level 1is maintained over Taal Volcano.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warns the public of the following possible hazards that can occur:
- steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions
- volcanic earthquakes
- minor ashfall
- lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas
Phivolcs prohibits entry into Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ) , especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reports that volcanic smog or vog has been observed over Taal Lake by the Taal Volcano Network and has lingered over the region until present.
It says that continuous upwelling persists at the Taal Main Crater Lake, generating steam plumes that rose to 2,400 meters before drifting to the west-southwest.
"In addition, a total of 4,569 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was also measured today, 21 September 2023. Satellite monitors have also detected a large cloud of SO2 over and stretching west of Taal Lake today. Vog has been affecting the Taal Region since the first week of September 2023 as an average of 3,402 tonnes/day SO2 has been degassed from Taal Volcano for the month," it reports.
Some classes have been declared suspended following the reports of vog.
The state seismologists record six volcanic earthquakes and two volcanic tremors in Taal Volcano in the last 24 hours.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says that Alert Level 1 o low level of volcanic unrest is maintained over Taal Volcano on Sunday.
Calabarzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council reports that Taal Volcano had short eruption activity of phreatic burst.
This lasts from 12:54 p.m. until 12:56 p.m.
RDRRMC says this eruption released a plume of ash and steam.
State volcanologists issue a “notice of ongoing degassing activity” of Taal Volcano.
In an advisory, Phivolcs say that they have observed active degassing of the Taal Main Crater in the past 24 hours. It noted “visible upswelling of volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake and generation of voluminous steam-rich plumes that rose 2,000 meters above Taal Volcano Island.”
They add that due to this, “significant volcanic smog or vog” has formed over Taal Caldera and surrounding areas since Tuesday.
Phivolcs reminds the public to limit their exposure and protect themselves.
DOST-Phivolcs issues a notice of low-level phreatomagmatic activity in Taal Volcano after it recorded 19 phreatomagmatic bursts of the Taal Main Crater between 8:50 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
“Some of these events produced 200-meter-tall steam-rich plumes with a few emanating from very short dark ash plumes that immediately collapsed into the Main Crater Lake,” it adds.
State volcanologists reiterates the reminder that Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano, which means “it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.”
Phivolcs lowers Taal Volcano’s status to Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest) from Alert Level 2 (Decreased Unrest).
State volcanologists say Taal’s condition in the last two months “has been characterized by baseline volcanic earthquake activity, stabilizing ground deformation of the Taal Caldera and Taal Volcano Island edifices and weak degassing and surface activity at the Main Crater.”
On March 26, Phivolcs escalated Taal to Alert Level 3, warning of a magmatic intrusion at the main crater. The volcano was deescalated to Alert Level 2 on April 9.
TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 11, 2022
11 July 2022
8:00 AM
This serves as a notice for the lowering of Taal Volcano’s status from Alert Level 2 (Decreased Unrest) to Alert Level 1 (Low-Level Unrest).#TaalVolcano
Filipino: https://t.co/S3LJC8ESCz
English: https://t.co/EA1u7VCddA pic.twitter.com/fnmEjeR4ui
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says it has lowered Taal Volcano’s status to Alert Level 2.
Phivolcs raises Alert Level 3 over Taal Volcano, which means there is magmatic intrusion that may further drive succeeding eruptions.
State volcanologists record 75 volcanic earthquakes from Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours as of 5 a.m. on July 11.
Phivolcs says these include 61 volcanic tremors that lasted from one to 25 minutes with weak background tremor.
Alert Level 3 is still raised over Taal Volcano.
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 11, 2021
Buod ng 24 oras na pagmamanman
11 Hulyo 2021 alas-5 ng umaga #TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/PE0xY4Rnwd pic.twitter.com/jMjg8bfIb3
Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas has issued a memorandum restricting leisure travel in high-risk areas located within the 7-kilometer radius of the Taal Volcano crater.
In Memorandum Circular No. 01 Series of 2021, leisure travel to Barangays Banyaga and Bilibinwang in Agoncillo town and Barangays Buso-buso, Gulod and Bugaan East in the town of Laurel shall not be allowed.
Prohibited activities include staycations, going to a recreational area, resort, camping, sunbathing, pool swimming, picknicking, island hopping, group water activities, partying and merriment events and other similar activities. — The STAR/Arnell Ozaeta
State volcanologists record the highest levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide from Taal Volcano.
As of Sunday afternoon, Phivolcs log at an average of 22,628 tonnes/day and a total of 26 strong and very shallow low-frequency volcanic earthquakes.
"In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is reminding the public that Alert Level 3 prevails over Taal Volcano and that current SO2 parameters indicate ongoing magmatic extrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding explosions," Phivolcs says in an advisory.
TAAL VOLCANO ADVISORY
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 4, 2021
4 July 2021
4:15 P.M.#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/2wRjzyT1zD pic.twitter.com/KCrmHmA1RZ
Alert Level 3 is still raised over Taal Volcano as Phivolcs records 31 volcanic earthquakes and weak background tremor in the past 24 hours.
Entering Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays Agoncillo and Laurel, as well as sailing through Taal Lake, is still prohibited.
Phivolcs warns that pyroclastic density currents or base surge, volcanic tsunami and ashfall are possible.
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 4, 2021
Buod ng 24 oras na pagmamanman
04 Hulyo 2021 alas-5 ng umaga #TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/BkeiKzMqFn pic.twitter.com/EhXjrFCfMF
The government has activated Joint Task Force Taal to help with evacuation and potential relief operations, the Palace says Friday, June 2.
Police and Coast Guard units have also been put on alert for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
"The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 4-A is on heightened alert and has stockpiles of relief support consisting of food packs amounting to P1.4 million and non-food items worth P11 million," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also says.
"We ask residents in the areas surrounding the volcano lake to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, cooperate with their local authorities should the need for evacuation arise," he also says.
State volcanologists raise Alert Level 3 over Taal Volcano, which means that magmatic intrusion at the main crater may further drive succeeding eruptions.
Phivolcs says the volcano generated a short-lived dark phreatomagmatic plume one-kilometerhigh at 3:16 p.m. Thursday.
"PHIVOLCS strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas be evacated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami," the agency says in a bulletin.
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 1, 2021
Raising ng Alert Level
01 Hulyo 2021#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/roMPPOBP0Z pic.twitter.com/rY4ZdaqcAU
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology maintains Alert Level 2 status over the Taal Volcano on Monday as it recorded 252 volcanic earthquakes with 17 volcanic tremor episodes in the past 24 hours.
State volcanologists however say they haven't advised people living near the volcano to evacuate yet.
Under Alert Level 2, a volcano is seen under increased unrest. Phivolcs reminds the public that "sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island." — The Filipino Connection/Marlon Luistro
Alert Level 2 is raised over Taal Volcano after state volcanologists recorded 28 volcanic tremor episodes, four low frequency volcanic earthquakes and one hybrid earthquake in the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs says the raising of the alert status means that there is probable magnetic activity that may or may not lead to an eruption.
"At Alert Level 2, evacuation is not yet recommended. However, the public is reminded that Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and that entry into TVI, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited," Phivolcs says Tuesday morning.
State volcanologists warn of a possibility that Taal Volcano might have another phreatic explosion similar to what happened last year.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum says the possible explosion will only affect the volcano island.
Phivolcs has recorded 69 tremor episodes having durations of one to five minutes in the past 24-hour period, as of Wednesday morning. Alert Level 1 (abnormal) is raised over Taal Volcano, which means that "sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur."
IP Camera snapshots of Taal Volcano Island from Agoncillo and the Main Crater showing relative calm at the surface. pic.twitter.com/mmilwgJ7rc
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) February 17, 2021
Residents of Taal Volcano Island were evacuated following increased seismic activity in Taal Volcano.
The Philippine Coast Guard says it deployed water assets to the island to make advisory, inspection and fetch the people in the area and bring them to safety.
Inilikas ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), katuwang ang PNP Talisay, BFP Talisay, at MDRRMO, ang mga residente ng Taal Island matapos ang muling pagtaas ng seismic activity ng Bulkang Taal kahapon, ika-15 ng Pebrero 2021. pic.twitter.com/2fmzz4MORA
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) February 16, 2021
Philvolcs says in its 8 a.m. bulletin that Taal Volcano’s main crater emitted steam-laden plumes that are 300 meters high between 9pm February 26 to 3am of February 27.
Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 2.
TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) February 27, 2020
27 February 2020
8:00 A.M.#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/Sf9pQ3NXMj pic.twitter.com/5kh5tMkjaJ
Police say they are still waiting for the Scene of the Crime Operatives for confirmation of the victim's identity, whose body was found dead underneath mud on Taal volcano Island.
The state seismic network characterized the activity of the volcano in the last three weeks by "less frequent volcanic earthquake activity, stabilizing ground deformation of the Taal Caldera and Taal
Under Alert Level 2,
"
Alert Level 3 is still up over Taal Volcano, state volcanologists say.
According to the 8 a.m. bulletin Saturday, the volcano emitted white to dirty white steam-laden plumes rising 200 to 300m high before drifting southwest in the past 24 hours.
"Weak steaming from fissure vents along the Daang Kastila trail is currently ongoing. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 54 tonnes/day on February 7, 2020," Phivolcs says.
"The Taal Volcano Network recorded one hundred fifteen (115) volcanic earthquakes including three (3) low-frequency events. These earthquakes signify magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at the Main Crater," it adds.
In the last 24 hours,
The state seismic network also observed weak
At least 118 volcanic earthquakes, including five low-frequency events and one harmonic tremor that lasted three minutes
"DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that sudden steam-driven and even weak
Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Taal Volcano as it continues to release steam-laden plumes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says.
In a bulletin issued 8 a.m. Wednesday, Phivolcs says the activity in the main crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by weak emission of steam-laden plumes that are 50 to 100 meters high, drifting southwest.
Sulfur dioxide emission was measured at an average of 55 tons a day on Tuesday.
Taal Volcano has emitted weak steam-laden plumes 50 to 500 meters tall in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
The state seismic network recorded 223 earthquakes, including eight low-frequency events and one harmonic tremor that lasted almost three minutes.
"These earthquakes signify magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at the Main Crater,"
The state seismic network recorded 134 earthquakes in the past 24 hours, the strongest of which was a magnitude 3.2 earthquake felt at Intensity IV in Laurel and Agoncillo towns and Intensity III in Lemery, Batangas.
"These earthquakes signify magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at the Main Crater," Phivolcs said in its 8 a.m. advisory.
Phivolcs says they have recorded a short-duration harmonic tremor in the past 24 hours, which they said indicates the movement of magma inside the volcano.
The tremor lasted for three minutes.
Taal Volcano continued to emit white to dirty white steam-laden plumes that were 300-500 meters tall over the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology says on Thursday morning.
Sulfur dioxide emission, which reached as high as more than 5,000 tons a day at the height of volcanic activity, has also fallen "below instrumental detection."
Phivolcs noted, though, that the Taal Volcano Network recorded 137 volcanic earthquakes, two of which were low frequency events and one a harmonic tremor that lasted for 97 seconds.
"These earthquakes signify magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at the Main Crater," Phivolcs says as it maintains Alert Level 3 over Taal.
As of January 30, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says, there are 19,131 families or 66,989 people from affected areas staying in 415 evacuation centers.
Another 60,358 families, or 225,389 people, are sheltering somewhere else.
The Philippine Seismic Network has recorded 763 volcanic earthquakes as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, NDRRMC also says in its update.
Of those, 177 registered magnitudes of 1.2-4.1 and were felt at Intensities I (Scarcely Perceptible)-V (Strong).
Phivolcs says earthquakes and low-frequency events continue to jolt Taal Volcano.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs says the Philippine Seismic Network has plotted three earthquakes that registered at magnitudes M1.7 to M2.1 with one felt event at Intensity III (weak) for the past 24 hours.
Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas advises residents to stay in evacuation centers amid the status of the Taal Volcano lowered to Alert Level 3.
"Although residents of areas living beyond the 7km radius have the OPTION to return to their homes / place of work, the Province is still advising the residents to remain in evacuation centers, as the risks on health, as well as the risks on the destruction of properties and means of livelihood remain high," Mandanas says in a statement.
"Sufficient food, shelter, clothing, medicines, and other personal hygienic needs are available in evacuation facilities," he adds.
Taal Volcano continues to weakly emit white to dirty white steam-laden plumes measuring 100 to 800 meters high in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says.
"Activity in the Main Crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by weak to voluminous emission of white to dirty white steam-laden plumes 100 - 800 meters tall that drifted southwest," Phivolcs says in its 8 a.m. bulletin.
"Sulfur dioxide emission was below instrumental detection," it adds.
Alert Level 3 remains in place over Taal Volcano.
The Taal eruption and the resulting evacuation of areas at risk have affected 1,108 schools and around 644, 080 learners, Education Secretary Leonor Briones says in a Palace briefing.
She says classes are expected to resume by February 3 with classes to be held on Saturdays and Sundays to make up for lost school days.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is hoping the lowered alert status over Taal Volcano will come with a Batangas provincial government rescue operation for animals left on Taal island.
"Terrified survivors are surrounded by the dead bodies of fellow animals, breathing in toxic air, and growing sicker and weaker by the hour," says PETA Senior Vice President of International Campaigns Jason Baker.
"PETA stands ready to assist a government rescue mission and stresses that there's not a minute to waste here."
Checkpoint barricades that blocked the road and barred residents from entering the town of Lemery were removed Sunday morning after Phivolcs lowered Taal Volcano's status to Alert Level 3.
Euphoria replaced the gloom that some residents faced the day before as they tried their luck to cross the barricade amid a tight lockdown.
The Batangas town was one of the areas placed on lockdown by authorities following the raising of Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano which meant that a hazardous eruption may occur within hours to days. Although there is a decreased tendency that a catastrophic eruption may happen, state volcanologists raised that the threat of a volcanic explosion still lingers.
Residents eager to return to tidy their homes from ashfall and muck cheered upon entering the town marker. Here are some scenes on the ground.
Overjoyed residents of Lemery, Batangas cheered as they entered the town marker after finally being allowed to return to their homes due to Taal Volcano's downgraded alert status. Phivolcs lowered the volcano's alert level to 3 on Sunday morning but reminded that the threat of eruption still looms.
WATCH: Overjoyed residents of Lemery, Batangas cheered as they entered the town marker after finally being allowed to return to their homes due to Taal Volcano's downgraded alert status. | ???? Michael Varcas
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) January 26, 2020
LIVE updates: https://t.co/MTeVTBUDU0 pic.twitter.com/IE9AQuyMeX
Here are the areas where the lockdown is lifted and where it remains hoisted, according to the Batangas provincial government.
Areas where residents are now allowed to return
-
Alitagtag
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Balete
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Cuenca
-
Lemery
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Lipa City
-
Malvar
-
Mataas na Kahoy
-
San Nicolas
-
Sta. Teresita
-
Taal
-
Talisay
-
Tanauan City
Areas still on lockdown
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Agoncillo
-
Laurel
On permanent lockdown
-
Taal Volcano Island
Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas announces that residents of all towns on lockdown, except for the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel, now have the option to return.
But he emphasizes that residents should seriously consider that the possibility of an eruption still looms in addition to the likely occurrence of lahar and the health hazards of volcanic ashfall in deciding whether they want to go back to their homes.
Phivolcs lowers Taal Volcano's alert level from 4 (hazardous eruption imminent) to 3 (decreased tendency towards hazardous eruption).
But state volcanologists say the downgraded alert status does not mean that the threat of a possible volcanic eruption is eliminated.
The Taal Volcano unrest has affected 90,533 families—around 348,563 people—the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says.
Of this number, 37,445 families—137,994 people—are taking shelter in 118 evacuation centers while 38,102 families or 148,271 individuals are served outside the evacuation centers, according to NDRRMC's 12 noon situational report Saturday.
Ibaan town Mayor Joy Salvame says they will welcome all resettlers from lockdown areas in case the government implements a permanent relocation of people within the 14-kilometer danger zone.
At least seven municipalities have been placed on partial and total lockdown following the eruption of the volcano on January 12. — The STAR/Arnel Ozaeta
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says 90,533 families, consisting of about 350,000 people in CALABARZON (Region IV), have been affected by the Taal Volcano unrest.
But only about two out of five (39.58% or 137,994 people) are taking shelter in 488 evacuation centers, based on NDRRMC's 6:00 a.m. situational report.
State volcanologists say Taal Volcano's main crater emitted white steam-laden plumes with sulfur dioxide.
The steaming in the past 24 hours reached 100 to 800 meters high and drifted southwest while sulfur dioxide emission was measured at an average of 409 tonnes per day.
"The Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) plotted a total of seven hundred forty-four (744) volcanic earthquakes since 1:00 PM, January 12, 2020," Phivolcs says.
"One hundred seventy-six (176) of these registered at magnitudes M1.2-M4.1 and were felt at Intensities I-V. Since 5:00 AM on January 24, 2020 until 5:00 AM today, there were six (6) volcanic earthquakes plotted that registered at magnitudes M1.5-M2.3 with no felt event," it adds.
Alert Level 4 still remains in effect over Taal Volcano.
More than 100 animals from the Taal Volcano island have been rescued, animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says.
The group says it has since rescued 132 animals from the ground zero of the disaster, which was buried by massive deposits of ash when the Taal Volcano.
Officials of the Philippine Red Cross encourage the Batangueños to join its pool of volunteers to augment in the ongoing operations for victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.
Leonardo Ebajo, director for Disaster Management Services of PRC, says the vision of Senator-Chairman Richard Gordon is the activation of RedCross 143 in every barangay. — The STAR/Arnell Ozaeta
The Department of Education recommends the resumption of classes in areas affected by the Taal Volcano unrest on February 3.
The move will be limited to schools deemed ready to hold classes, Education Secretary Leonor Briones says.
Other schools are still being used as evacuation centers.
JUST IN: DepEd recommends resumption of classes in Taal-affected areas on Feb. 3. But Secretary Leonor Briones says this would be limited to schools deemed to be ready to hold classes, noting that some are still being used as evacuation centers. @PhilippineStar
— Janvic Mateo (@jvrmateoSTAR) January 24, 2020
Taal Volcano emits ash a little past 5 a.m. and continuing to do so at 6 a.m. on Friday, January 24.
It usually issues 24-hour advisories at 8 a.m. and holds briefings and issues updates throughout the day.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III orders the Bureau of Customs to donate all of its seized food items fit for human consumption to help people displaced by the Taal Volcano eruption.
The Finance department says the Customs must immediately turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development some 32 pallets containing 180 boxes each of canned Libby’s Vienna Sausage that were seized at the Port of Manila in March 2018.
China has turned over about P7.5 million to the Philippine government for the relief and rehabilitation of areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
According to a release from the Chinese Embassy, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian turned the money over to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday.
The Chinese Embassy says Ambassador Huang told Manalo that "the Chinese side looks forward to lending more strength to the disaster relief efforts on the Philippine side to overcome the difficulties and help the affected people restore their normal livelihood at an earliest date."
Phivolcs has observed weak to moderate emission of steam-laden plumes of from 50 to 500 meters high over the past 24 hours, it says Thursday, adding sulfur dioxide emission has been at a lower 141 tons a day.
Phivolcs on Wednesday said sulfur dioxide emission of Taal had gone down to an average of 153 tons per day from the previously recorded average of 344 tons. Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas that irritates skin, eyes, nose and throat.
"The Philippine Seismic Network plotted a total of 731 volcanic earthquakes since 1 PM, January 12, 2020. One hundred seventy-six of these registered at magnitudes M1.2-M4.1 and were felt at Intensities I-V," it says.
"Since 5 a.m. on January 22, 2020 until 5 a.m. today (Thursday), there were six volcanic earthquakes plotted that registered at magnitudes M1.5-M3.4 with no felt event," it also says.
State volcanologists say there was no ash emission in Taal Volcano since 5 a.m. Wednesday but a hazardous eruption is still possible.
"However, unconsolidated ash blanketing Taal Volcano has been remobilized and transported by strong low-level winds towards southwest (SW), affecting the towns of Lemery and Agoncillo," says Phivolcs in its 4 p.m. advisory.
Alert Level 4 remains in effect over Taal, which means a hazardous explosive eruption may still happen.
The US government donates P5.1 million to help the victims of the Taal Volcano unrest.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim visits a school serving as an evacuation center in Nasugbu, Batangas and distributes supplies to the evacuees.
“I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of these families who faced such devastation and loss following the volcanic eruption," Kim says.
"As friends, partners, and allies to the Philippines, we will continue to support our Philippine government counterparts as they work to address the needs of those communities most affected by the eruption,” he adds.
The Tanauan-Talisay-Tagaytay and Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo roads are still closed to traffic, the Department of Public Works and Highways says in an advisory.
It says the lockdown was implemented on the advice of the local government units.
"As a safety precaution for personnel, clearing of ashfall, hauling of ashes, and pruning of trees on road sections are being implemented outside the 14-kilometer radius danger zone while clearing operations in areas within the danger zone were temporarily suspended," DPWH also says.
It says 499 DPWH personnel and 103 pieces of equipment have been deployed by district engineering offices of Calabarzon to assist in relief operarions, including in the transport of goods to evacuation centers.
The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology is studying a seeming decrease in volcanic activity on Taal, noting the volcanic earthquakes there have been diminishing.
"But that doesn't mean we will be complacent. This means the magma has passed through, but what will happen to the magma that has already collected? That is our question," Phivolcs' Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division head Antonia Bornas says in Filipino on CNN Philippines.
She says the lockdown in high-risk areas remain in place.
Alert Level 4 is still up.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed more than P8.5 million in assistance to people affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, the Philippine office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says in an update released Tuesday night.
It says local governments have been leading disaster response with the support of the DSWD and the Philippine Red Cross, which is distributing aid and has set up first aid stations and welfare desks for evacuees.
The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, which includes top Philippines companies, "is coordinating with its private sector members who are providing road clearing and mobile service support, water, food, face masks, and other relief items," OCHA Philippines also says.
Citing DSWD figures, UN OCHA says more than 271,000 people have been affected by the eruption. Of that number, 148,000 are in 490 evacuation centers. Another 87,000 are staying with host families.
"Select" members of the House of Representatives will hold a supposed plenary session in Batangas City on Wednesday afternoon to listen to residents of the province affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
“It is time for us to act. But it is also time for us to listen,” Cayetano said, adding that House members will also be taking up the plan to rehabilitate Taal and the towns devastated by the volcano, The STAR reports.
The House has 302 members, according to its website, and will need a quorum of 152 members present to conduct business.
Vice President Leni Robredo holds up a "Lugaw Leni" sign during her visit to Barangay Bolbok, Tuy, Batangas today, making light of one of the most overused comments of online trolls and critics against the vice president.
Robredo served a merienda of lugaw and pandesal for residents affected by Taal Volcano's unrest.
Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas announces that the number of evacuees displaced by Taal Volcano's eruption has reached one million as of today.
He says some 800,000 people are staying with relatives while around 200,000 people are in evacuation centers in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon. — with a report from The STAR/Arnell Ozaeta
The office of Chief Minister Hadji Ahod Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao dispatched from Cotabato City in Central Mindanao Tuesday more than 50 tons of relief supplies for evacuees from the surroundings of the alarmingly restive Taal Volcano.
The trucks carrying the provisions departed for the north amid Tuesday’s commemoration of the first anniversary of the conduct of the plebiscite for the ratification of BARMM’s charter, the Republic Act 11054. — The STAR/John Unson
Alert Level 4 is still in effect over Taal Volcano,
Sulfur dioxide emission measured at an average of 344 tonnes/day. This decrease is a consequence of weakened steam-plume activity in the main crater,
TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 21, 2020
21 January 2020
8:00 A.M.#TaalVolcano #TaalEruption2020 https://t.co/GNKrhSZw5B pic. twitter.com/ix4VqsHhPS
The Department of Health issues reminders to prevent the spread of germs and viruses that are transmitted through coughing and sneezing inside cramped evacuation centers.
It released the reminder after announcing that it has so far recorded 1,729 cases of acute respiratory infection due to ashfall from Taal Volcano's eruption.
Employees of The Philippine STAR loaded trucks with relief packs filled with goods from donors of its "Operation Damayan." The relief goods would be sent to families displaced by the eruption of Taal Volcano.
President Duterte distributes cash assistance, hygiene kits, jerry cans, gift certificates and training kits to selected heads of families affected by Taal Volcano's eruption.
Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto (Batangas) proposes the creation of a Taal Commission to help in the rehabilitation efforts in areas affected the eruption of Taal Volcano.
In a privilege speech Monday afternoon, Santos-Recto also urged the lower house of Congress to realign funds to address the crisis cost of the volcanic eruption.
"I hope we can craft more laws improving the capabilities of disaster preparedness of LGUs to ensure the health and wellness of evacuees," Santos-Recto said.
Rep. Santos-Recto: Patuloy nating suportahan at damayan ang pasanin ng mga kababayan sa Batangas. Sa ngayon masasabi nating overwhelming ang tulong.
— House of Representatives of the Philippines (@HouseofRepsPH) January 20, 2020
Phivolcs has recorded 673 volcanic earthquakes, including 12 low frequency ones in the last 24 hours, which it says "signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity."
It has observed steady steam emission and infrequent weak explosions that generated ash plumes of from 500 to 1,000 meters tall and dispersed ash to the southwest.
Although some businesses have opened in Tagaytay, which overlooks Taal, Alert Level 4 remains over the volcano.
"DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within the 14-km radius from Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed," Phivolcs says.
Phivolcs says Alert Level 4 remains in effect over Taal Volcano which means that the threat of a hazardous eruption within hours to days still looms.
"Since 8:00 AM this morning, Taal Volcano’s activity has been generally characterized by weak emission of steam-laden plumes 300 to 500 meters high from the Main Crater that drifted to the general southwest," it says in its 6 p.m. update today.
A total of 701 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since the volcano erupted last January 12. The latest sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 4353 tonnes/day as of 5 p.m. today.
Based on PAGASA's wind forecast, if the eruption plume remains below 5 km, ash will drift south and southwest of the main crater. But if a major eruption occurs during the day and the plume exceeds 5 km, then volcanic ash will also blow to the eastern and northeastern sectors reaching parts of Batangas, Laguna and Quezon.
ERUPTION UPDATE FOR TAAL VOLCANO
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 19, 2020
ALERT LEVEL 4 (HAZARDOUS ERUPTION IMMINENT)
19 JANUARY 2020
06:00 PM#TaalVolcano #TaalEruption2020 pic.twitter.com/tLSlyuX1ww
Volcanic ash blanketed the foot of Taal Volcano island gray as the Airforce and members of Task Force Taal assess the situation on Sunday morning, January 19.
The Provincial Government of Batangas says classes in all levels will remain suspended in the province as long as Alert Level 4 is hoisted over Taal Volcano.
Wala pa rin pasok bukas January 20, 2020 sa lahat ng antas sa buong Probinsya ng Batangas @News5AKSYON #TaalEruption pic.twitter.com/4N5sar0FOv
— Romel M Lopez (@romeltv5) January 19, 2020
PETA's rescue team shares some photos of the animals they have rescued so far from Taal Volcano's wrath. It says some of the dogs are also going to their foster homes soon.
The animal welfare advocacy group adds that one of their rescued dogs, Palakitik, is on her way to making a full recovery. Check out our story on her.
Here are some of the birds and dogs they managed to rescue.
In its 6 p.m. update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says two “discrete weak explosions” were recorded by the Taal Volcano network.
“Since 8 a.m. this morning, Taal Volcano’s activity has been generally characterized by weak emission of steam-laden plumes 500 to 800 meters high from the main crater that drifted to the general southwest,” Phivolcs says.
Alert level 4 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano, which means that hazardous explosive eruption is still possible within hours to days.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council says 37,355 families or 162,728 individuals were already staying in evacuation centers as of 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.
The numbers of affected families ballooned after the implementation of lockdown. — The STAR/Arnell Ozaete
The Quick Response Team of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has documented fissures in different areas around Taal Volcano.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says 22,472 families or 96,061 individuals have been affected by Taal Volcano's eruption in Batangas.
Of this number, 16,174 families—70,413 people—are taking shelter in 300 evacuation centers, based on its 6 a.m. situational report on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.
State volcanologists say infrequent weak explosions were observed on the surface of the Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours.
"Activity in the Main Crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by steady steam emission and infrequent weak explosions that generated white to dirty white ash plumes 50 to 600 meters tall and dispersed ash southwest of the Main Crater," says the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in its 8 a.m. update Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.
Alert level 4 is still hoisted over the volcano, which means that hazardous explosive eruption is still possible within hours to days.
Google Philippines says it has created a consolidated map of evacuation centers to help connect survivors of the Taal Volcano unrest to their loved ones and volunteers.
The map may be viewed by searching for "Evacuation centers for the Taal eruption" on Google.com.
It can also be accessed on Google’s social media page.
Members of animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on ground continue to rescue animals on Taal island.
As of Friday, Jan. 17 2020, the group has rescued:
- 9 adult dogs
- 5 puppies
- 1 chicken
- 3 ducks
- 2 horses
- 1 heron
A steaming fissure has been "newly observed" on the northern slopes of Taal Volcano Island and the shoreline around Taal Lake has been receding as the volcano continues to emit steam, Phivolcs says.
There have also been infrequent weak explosions that produced gray ash plumes of from 100 to 800 meters tall.
Fissures found in barangays in Lemery, Agoncillo, Talisay and San Nicolas towns in Batangas have widened by a few centimeters in the past 24 hours, it also says in its morning update.
Alert Level 4 remains over Taal Volcano.
Tagaytay hotels and restaurants will reopen tomorrow after Phivolcs announced that the Tagaytay ridge area is safe, a news report citing Sen. Francis Tolentino says.
The Philippine Coast Guard is deploying 100 more personnel to help with relief efforts for the Taal Volcano eruption. They will also bring with them on BRP Tubbataha relief goods donated by the Chinese Coast Guard.
A Chinese Coast Guard boat arrived in Manila this week for a port visit and to hold drills with the PCG.
They carried onboard BRP Tubbataha, a 44-meter multi-role response vessel, the boxes of donations from the China Coast Guard (CCG). #DOTrPH????????#CoastGuardPH#MaritimeSectorWorks pic.twitter.com/8LlJT2bT4l
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) January 16, 2020
Taal Volcano erupted "short-lived dark gray ash plumes 500 meters and 800 meters high" at 6:17 a.m. and 6:21 a.m. on Thursday morning, Phivolcs says in its morning advisory.
It says volcanic activity in Taal has "generally waned to weak emission of steam-laden plumes 700 meters high that dispersed ash to the southwest."
Despite that, Alert Level 4 remains up, meaning a hazardous eruption could happen within hours or days.
In a special session today, the Provincial Council of Cavite approved a resolution declaring Cavite, among the provinces nearest the rumbling Taal Volcano, under a state of calamity.
A time-lapse animation that the NASA Earth Observatory released shows the direction the hazardous volcanic ashfall and gases blew from January 12 to 13 after Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption (steam-driven explosion) last Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020.
Taal is the second most active volcano near Manila, the nation's capital, which is located approximately 60 kilometers north of the volcano.
The US space agency also released a map showing stratospheric sulfur dioxide concentrations on Jan. 13, 2020.
The Philippine Red Cross shows what to pack in your Go Bag, a bag you pack in advance to use in case of an emergency evacuation. A Go Bag should contain non-perishable food that will last for at least three days.
Plan ahead and make your own one today.
Baclaran Church urges devotees to pray the oratio imperata for those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
Sen. Nancy Binay asks government financial agencies and offices to implement six months to one year loan payment moratorium for those people affected by the Taal Volcano unrest.
"We can help ease the burdens of our kababayans hit by natural calamities and a way for government agencies to show continuing concern for its members, and its way of helping out its members during their times of need," Binay says.
"Nananawagan din po tayo sa mga local government units na huwag muna maningil ng penalties sa mga hindi makakapagbayad ng real property taxes at mga businesses na di makapag-renew ng business permits dahil naapektuhan sila ng pagputok ng Taal," she adds.
Detained Sen. Leila de Lima sends sympathy to the loved ones of young volunteers from Batangas who died after a tragic car accident after distributing relief goods for victims of the Taal Volcano unrest.
“Nakikiramay po ako sa pamilya nina Rio (Rio John Abel) at Maximino (Maximino Alcantara III). Lubos ko pong ikinalulungkot ang nangyaring trahedya sa kanila,” she says.
“Ngunit kasabay po nito ay ang labis ko ring paghanga sa ipinamalas nilang dedikasyon para makatulong sa kapwa sa gitna ng kalamidad,” she adds.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says the eruptions of the Taal Volcano have affected 12,486 families or 53,019 individuals in Batangas and Cavite.
"Of which, a total of 10,000 families / 43,681 persons (previous report: 9,508 families / 40,126 persons) are taking temporary shelter in 217 evacuation centers (previous report: 189 evacuation centers," the disaster council says on the situational report as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, January 15.
"Some of LGUs in the Provinces of Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna hosted IDPs (internally displaced persons) from affected municipalities," it adds.
State volcanologists say Taal Volcano displayed a “generally weaker” activity for the past 24 hours but it is not a sign that the restive volcano is no longer dangerous.
Alert Level 4 is still hoisted over Taal, which means that “hazardous explosive eruption” is possible within hours to day
Alert level 4 is still up over Taal Volcano as of Wednesday morning,
"Such intense seismic activity probably signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity,"
TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 15, 2020
15 January 2020, 08:00 A.M.#TaalVolcano #TaalEruption2020 pic. twitter.com/drdVadcgoE
DENR says air quality is good to fair in parts of Metro Manila, Central Luzon (Region 3) and Calabarzon (Region 4A), the regions most affected by Taal Volcano's ashfall, as of 4 p.m. today.
Check out their latest data below.
Vice President Leni Robredo visits the town of Sta. Teresita, Batangas and brings relief aid to evacuees of affected areas following the eruption of Taal Volcano.
She distributes food packs and dust masks to residents.
Farmers affected by the Taal Volcano eruption should be getting grants from the government instead of loans that, although interest free, they will have to repay eventually, Rep. Lawrence Fortun (Agusan Del Norte) says.
"Our taxes should be enough to cover the emergency aid," he says, adding the government should be able to afford relocating Taal residents who are in the volcano's danger zone.
Vice President Leni Robredo is currently in Batangas to visit the communities affected by the Taal Volcano unrest.
She visited the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, where she was briefed on the situation following the eruption of the volcano.
Latest DENR data shows that air quality in Metro Manila has improved. As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, air quality in the nation's capital region ranges from good to fair.
The Philippine Coast Guard conducts patrols to discourage fisherfolk from going on the water while Taal Volcano threatens to erupt.
Fishermen and fish cage operators were still allowed to go out and get their belongings from huts on the water on Monday but security cordons in the 14-km danger zone have since been tightened due to continuous volcanic activity.
WATCH: Personnel of the PCG continue to conduct maritime patrol along the vicinity waters off Taal Lake to warn local fishermen about going into fishing ventures in the area amid Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption. pic.twitter.com/oSlxNqkHYp
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) January 14, 2020
The Department of Public Works and Highways continues to conduct road clearing operations and evacuation of residents affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.
"The deployment of personnel and equipment of DPWH Regional Office 4A and its District Engineering Offices is still in full blast," DPWH says.
"Since the eruption Sunday, January 12, 2020, DPWH has deployed a total of 302 personnel and 66 equipment to assist affected communities in Batangas," it adds.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says 6,891 families or around 30,423 people have been affected by Taal Volcano's eruptions.
Of this number, 4,175 families—18,187 people—are taking shelter in 118 evacuation centers.
A disaster official says animals and plants on Taal island have been killed after the volcano roared to life Sunday, belching ash and spewing lava fountains.
The exact number of animals impacted by the eruption of Taal volcano is not yet known.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum says it is good to have rains after the eruption as it would wash down the ashes blanketing the plants and houses.
But suggestions to conduct cloud seeding following the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas has to be studied first, Solidum adds.
The Pampanga provincial government has sent 234 personnel and 56 vehicles to help with rescue and relief efforts in areas affected by Taal Volcano, regional station Central Luzon Television reports.
The contingent includes 48 personnel from the Philippine National Police, 38 from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and 30 from the Provincial Health Office.
The contingent includes 81 volunteers from the private sector.
Among the vehicles that the province is sending are 14 dump trucks, six military trucks, three water trucks and three ambulances.
Pampanga was among the worst hit by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and by the ash that the eruption left behind.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle requests for a second collection in all Sunday masses in the Archdiocese of Manila this coming weekend to help survivors of the Taal volcano eruption.
Alert Level 4 remains over Taal Volcano, Phivolcs says as it reiterates the need for total evacuation within a 14-kilometer radius of the volcano.
It also reports heavy ashfall in Lemery, Talisay, Taal and Cuenca in Batangas from the continuous eruption of the main crater of Taal Volcano.
"This ongoing eruption generated 500-meter tall lava fountains topped by dark gray steam-laden plumes reaching approximately 2 kilometers tall that dispersed ash to the southwest and west," Phivolcs says in its morning advisory.
It also reports new vents with 500-meter lava fountains on the northern flank and within the main crater that emanated steam plumes.
Personnel of the Taguig Rescue team and the city's Social Welfare and Development office have been deployed to Tagaytay City to help with relief operations in areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, the city's public information office says.
The Taguig contingent also turned over bottled water, N95 face masks, hygiene kits and family food packs.
Work in government in Metro Manila and Central Luzon resumes tomorrow, January 14, but remains suspended in Batangas.
Classes in all levels also remain canceled for tomorrow in Batangas.
Malacañang adds that the private sector is highly encouraged to suspend work for tomorrow for the safety of their employees.
READ: Announcement from the Office of the Executive Secretary
— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) January 13, 2020
Government work in Metro Manila and Central Luzon will resume tomorrow. @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/qgWeWAoR2Z
The Philippine Red Cross says placing two layers of tissue paper inside a surgical mask can serve as an alternative as stores run out of N95 masks.
It says doing this improves the ability to filter tiny dust particles up to 75-90% which is almost comparable to an N95 mask.
A mask is a must when ash fall is present in the atmosphere.
— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) January 13, 2020
Take note of these safety tips and share to your loved ones.#TaalEruption2020 pic.twitter.com/mUHg9ddMcS
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issues a situation report that offers a snapshot of the human toll of Taal Volcano's eruption.
Data released by UNOCHA shows that an estimated population of 459,300 live within the 14 km danger zone.
Around 24,500 people are estimated to be displaced and the agency warns that the figure is expected to climb.
A Department of Environment and Natural Resources report on air quality in some Metro Manila cities shows an unhealthy status for sensitive groups in Taguig, Mandaluyong and Las Piñas as of 11 a.m.
It says the amount of Particulate Matter 10, which are "respirable" particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers, in these areas shot up to levels that may pose danger to people who have health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema or asthma.
"The public is therefore advised to exercise caution when going outside and to wear masks and goggles for protection."
The private sector has chipped in its relief efforts to complement that of the government, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, which includes the country's largest corporations, says in a release.
Among the efforts are the distribution of face masks with the help of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation and Metrobank.
"In partnership with Airbnb Open Homes, PDRF is also ready to provide temporary accommodations for response teams," it also says.
PLDT-Smart Foundation and Smart Communications is also providing 2,000 relief packs and 1,000 hygiene kits as well as communications support for Metropolitan Manila Development volunteers deployed to Batangas.
"One Meralco Foundation (OMF) also sent two solar mobile charging stations in evacuation centers in Alfonso, Cavite and is ready to distribute 3,000 relief packs for various evacuation centers in Cavite and Batangas," PDRF says.
"In anticipation of requests for support from the government and other response partners, Meralco has generator sets on standby, Manila Water Foundation is set to deploy 2,000 five-gallon units of bottled water, and Metro Pacific Investments Foundation has prepositioned 1,000 blankets, 1,000 mats, 1,500 shirts, and 100 pieces of water filters for families."
After a brief waning of activity following lava fountaining at 2:49 to 4:28 a.m. today, Taal's eruption resumed immediately with weak sporadic lava fountaining and hydrovolcanic activity at the main crater that generated two-kilometer high plumes, Phivolcs says in its 4 p.m. eruption update.
State volcanologists say heavy ashfall from the ongoing eruptions has fallen southwest in Cuenca, Lemery and Taal in Batangas.
A total of 144 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in the Taal region since 1 p.m. Sunday, January 12.
READ: Eruption Update for Taal Volcano #TaalVolcano #TaalEruption2020 pic.twitter.com/FeYwHA2tyh
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 13, 2020
Residents of Lemery in Batangas flee their homes Monday, January 13, as smogs of volcanic ash spewed by Taal Volcano besiege their town. (Photos by The STAR/Miguel de Guzman)
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority says it will set up two portable water purifiers in Sto. Tomas, Batangas later today. Sto. Tomas and Tanauan have been identified as evacuation sites for residents affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano.
Michael Salalima, head of the MMDA Public Safety Office and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Focal Person, adds that Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivares has allocated 1,500 bottled waters and food items which will be brought by the second batch of MMDA contingent.
3M, a company that manufactures N95 masks, urges the public to be vigilant and report cases of overpricing, market abuse and selling of counterfeit products by retailers to them or to the Enforcement Division of the Philippine Competition Commission at +632 87719-722 local 232 or [email protected].
The company adds that it has been working closely with the first responders of various government agencies and local government units as well as all authorized 3M channel partners to supply the necessary N95 respirators needed.
"We are closely coordinating with our sources of supply in the region and the U.S. to continue to replenish the inventory and ensure that the public receives authentic products with proper warranty."
Super Junior member and UNICEF East Asia and Pacific regional ambassador Siwon Choi extends his prayer to children, the elderly and persons with disabilities affected by the unrest of Taal Volcano.
My prayer goes out to the children and the elderly and infirm of the Philippines. I hope no one is seriously hurt from the volcanic eruptions and the earthquakes.
— Siwon Choi (@siwonchoi) January 13, 2020
The province of Batangas, where the restive Taal Volcano is located, declares a state of calamity as Alert Level 4 is still hoisted over an imminent hazardous eruption.
The declaration is meant to "hasten the rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, including any international humanitarian assistance," according to Proclamation 682.
Except as provided for by law or appropriate proclamation, employers in coordination with their safety officer shall suspend work to ensure the safety and health of employees during natural or man-made calamities, DOLE says in its Labor Advisory No. 1 Series 2020 released today.
It adds that employees who refuse or fail to work due to imminent danger caused by a calamity should not be subject to any administrative sanctions.
Dr. Susan Pineda-Mercado shares how you can properly wear the N95 mask to protect yourself from exposure to volcanic ash.
Meanwhile, to those having difficulty finding this type of mask, science organization Agham Youth UP Diliman advises to use a damp cloth or towel as an alternative.
??Kung walang mabili, maaring gumamit ng bahagyang basang tela o bimpo para protektahan ang sarili.??
— Agham Youth UP Diliman (@AghamYouth_UPD) January 12, 2020
Responding to complaints of high prices of face masks, the Department of Trade and Industry dispatches teams to monitor and observe retailers.
In a statement, the DTI observed that some retailers are behind the sudden jump in prices of face masks and gas masks which are in high demand due to ashfall from the eruption of the Taal Volcano.
Red Cross Philippines says there are still no power and water supply in Talisay, Batangas as of 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 13. Electricity has also been cut off in Laurel, Batangas; Barangay Sambong, Tagaytay City; and Alfonso, Cavite.
Meanwhile, roads in Batangas are now passable as it reports that ashfall in Cavite and Batangas today are minimal compared to yesterday. The Red Cross, however, strongly advises motorists to heed precautionary driving measures.
Sea travel to Batangas Port and bus travel going south are not canceled.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has deployed a 30-member contingent to help in evacuation and relief efforts in Batangas due to the Taal Volcano eruption.
The 30 relief and rescue personnel are bringing three military trucks, two fire trucks, 10 portable water purifiers, self-contained apparatus, compressors and a refiller, MMDA says in a release.
The team is due to arrive in Talisay, Batangas on Monday morning.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is likely to resume partial operations by noontime, says Ed Monreal, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority.
Monreal advises local and international passengers to check with their airlines for status of flights.
President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by longtime aide Sen. Bong Go, meanwhile, just landed in Manila from Davao City despite the cancelation of airport operations due to the Taal Volcano's unrest.
(For real-time updates and coverage on the Taal Volcano's activity, click and bookmark this page.)
Phivolcs says Alert Level 4 will be up over Taal Volcano due to magmatic eruption and lava fountaining past 2 a.m. on Monday, adding Alert Level 5 may be raised within the next few days.
Alert Level 5 (Hazardous Eruption Ongoing) would come with an eruption column of up to 15 kilometers high and could bring a base surge, which Phivolcs describes as thick smoke and ash that could travel across the surface of Taal Lake.
Phivolcs adds a volcanic tsunami is possible in case of an eruption.
Alert level may be downgraded if activity becomes "less intense," Phivolcs says, adding it has Quick Response Teams deployed and observing the volcano.
The Taal eruption has affected 10,500 families who have been brought to 45 evacuation centers in Batangas and Cavite provinces, government agencies says in a press briefing in Tagaytay.
Among those evacuated are 1,135 who were brought by the Department of Public Works and Highways to centers in Santo Tomas and Tanauan in Batangas province.
The Department of Social Welfare says there are 5,000 family food packs and sleeping kits on the way for distribution to the evacuation centers.
The Philippine National Police has sent seven large trucks to help with evacuation around Taal Volcano, Police Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP OIC, says in a radio interview.
Gamboa tells dzMM TeleRadyo that police trucks in the National Capitol Region and Central Luzon are also on standby and waiting for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council cue.
The PNP will hold a command conference Monday morning to assess the situation.
Gamboa assures the public that the PNP has enough people and equipment to deploy if needed.
Authorities remind residents and the public to heed warnings from the local government authorities as Taal Volcano continues to spew ash.
Based on the 6 a.m. situational report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says a total of 966 families or 7,742 persons are taking temporary shelter in 38 evacuation centers.
It says that appropriate government agencies are ready for disaster response and that the local government continues with the conduct of evacuation of residents in affected areas.
The Department of Transportation says a total of 286 flights have been suspended on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, due to the volcanic ash from the imminent eruption of Taal Volcano.
Phivolcs, based on its 3:20 a.m. eruption update for Taal Volcano, says ashfall has reportedly fallen in the following areas: Tanuan, Batangas, Escala, Tagaytay, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Bacoor, Cavite, Silang, Cavite, Malolos, Bulacan, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Meycauayan, Bulacan, Antipolo, Rizal, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Marikina, Parañaque, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Makati City and Taguig City.
Larger particles called lapilli measuring 2 to 64 millimeters in diameter have reportedly fallen in the following areas: Tanuan, Batangas, Talisay, Batangas, Tagaytay City, Nuvali, Laguna and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says over 200,000 individuals are affected by the imminent threat of a hazardous eruption of the Taal Volcano.
Batangas PDRRMC head Mr. Lito Castro says initial reports show around 5,000 residents have been evacuated from the most affected towns of Balete, Laurel, San Nicolas, Talisay and part of Lipa and Tanauan City. — The STAR/Arnell Ozaeta
Malacañang encourages the private sector to suspend work for Monday, January 13 for the safety of employees as the Taal Volcano's hazardous eruption is imminent.
Executive Secretary Salvador Meldialdea also announced the suspension of work of government offices in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Region 3. The suspension, however, does not cover agencies that provide critical services to the public.
PHIVOLCS raised the alert status of Taal from Level 3 or "magmatic unrest" to Level 4, warning of imminent "hazardous eruption." This means that hazardous eruption is possible within hours to days.
In its 7:30 p.m. advisory, state volcanologists note having detected eruptive activity at the main crater of Taal Volcano as continuous eruption generated a tall 10-15 kilometer steam-laden tephra column or rock fragments and particles being ejected.
The activity is coupled with frequent volcanic lightning that rained wet since 11 a.m.
All flights to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are on hold following the Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption. Passengers are advised to coordinate with their respective airline companies. — with ONE News
Phivolcs further raises the alert level over Taal Volcano to 3 (magmatic unrest) which means there is magmatic intrusion that is likely driving the current volcanic activity.
The state volcanology bureau says that as of 2:04 p.m., Taal Volcano's main crater escalated its eruptive activity, generating an eruption plume 1 kilometer-high accompanied by volcanic tremor and felt earthquakes at the Taal Volcano Island and the barangay of Agoncillo, Batangas. Ashfall is currently being showered on the southwest sector of Taal.
"PHIVOLCS strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami," the agency says in its 4 p.m. bulletin.
"The public is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited. In addition, communities around the Taal Lake shore are advised to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lakewater disturbances related to the ongoing unrest."
Photos of the ongoing phreatic explosion at the main crater of Taal Volcano.
Photos of the ongoing phreatic explosion at the main crater of Taal Volcano. | via @phivolcs_dost pic.twitter.com/rPlABkIPR0
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) January 12, 2020
Phivolcs raises Taal Volcano's alert level to 2 (increasing unrest) after a phreatic eruption Sunday afternoon. — with The STAR/Helen Flores
Get updates as Phivolcs issues warnings over activity in Taal Volcano. (Main photo by Philstar.com/Rosette Adel)
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