Phivolcs: Vog from Taal may recur this weekend

MANILA, Philippines — Volcanic smog or vog from Taal Volcano may again blanket nearby areas this weekend due to increased degassing activity.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it recorded the highest sulfur dioxide emissions from the main crater of the volcano on Thursday.

Phivolcs said sulfur dioxide emissions totaled 9,762 tons per day, with visual monitors showing continued upwelling of volcanic fluids in the main crater that generated short and weak to moderate volume degassing plumes.

The agency said air trajectory forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed that strong winds may decrease in the coming days.

“PAGASA forecasts wind speeds over the Taal region to significantly decrease in the coming weekend. Should elevated sulfur dioxide degassing continue, the chances... to accumulate and generate vog will increase,” Phivolcs said in an advisory.

State volcanologists warned the public that vog, which consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas, is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract, with severities depending on the gas concentration and duration of exposure.

People with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease as well as the elderly, pregnant women and children may be particularly sensitive to vog.

Phivolcs urged the public to limit outdoor activities and take precautionary measures such as wearing of face masks and drinking water.

Those with health concerns should seek help from a doctor if serious afflictions are experienced.

Vog affected towns near the volcano last month, prompting the suspension of classes in some areas due to poor air quality and hazy visibility.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

Phivolcs said no volcanic quake was recorded in the past 24 hours, but sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can still occur.

It said acid rain can also be generated during rainfall and volcanic gas emission over areas where the plume disperses, which may damage crops and metal roofs of houses and buildings.