Robredo reminds public to remain alert after Taal eruption

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo prayed for the safety of those affected by Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption on Sunday.

“Dasal ko ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Luzon, lalo na ang mga naninirahan malapit sa Taal Volcano na kinailangang ilikas,” Robredo said in a tweet.

(I am praying for the safety of our countrymen in different parts of Luzon, especially those living near Taal Volcano who needed to evacuate.)

Dasal ko ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan sa iba't ibang bahagi ng Luzon, lalo na ang mga naninirahan malapit sa Taal Volcano na kinailangang ilikas. Mag-ingat po tayo sa panganib na dulot ng ashfall, at manatiling alerto para sa anunsiyo ng pamahalaan.

— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) January 12, 2020

A phreatic eruption is a steam-driven episode that occurs when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or new volcanic deposits.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano which means that “hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days.”

Taal Volcano spewed ash which has reached several provinces as well as Metro Manila.

“Mag-ingat po tayo sa panganib na dulot ng ashfall, at manatiling alerto para sa anunsiyo ng pamahalaan,” Robredo said.

(Let us be on careful for dangers brought by ashfall and be on alert for government announcement.)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said military’s Luzon-based units have been placed on red alert, adding that military trucks and humanitarian assistance disaster response (HADR) units have been deployed to affected areas.