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.