Number of Taal victims hits 18,970

MANILA, Philippines — Over 3,000 more residents in different villages in Batangas have been affected and displaced by Taal Volcano’s abnormal activity in the past few days, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.

From 15,474 people last week, the number of displaced residents has now increased to 18,976.

As of yesterday, a total of 1,614 families composed of 5,751 people were sheltered in 25 evacuation centers in the province.

More than 13,200 others or 3,748 families are staying with their friends and relatives.

Regional and local disaster risk reduction councils have been attending to the needs of the evacuees, the NDRRMC said, adding that at least 123 villages were affected by the volcano’s continuous abnormal activity.

Taal Volcano, which remains under alert Level 3, is still showing signs of possible eruption.

The volcano has been generating mild volcanic quakes, and emitting sulfur dioxide gas and steam-rich plumes.