‘Human activities,’ not Taal Volcano, caused recent smog in Metro Manila — Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday clarified to the public that the smog that blanketed Metro Manila is due to “human activities” and not from the Taal Volcano.

“Ang malabong kapaligiran o ‘haze’ na naranasan sa Metro Manila ay ‘smog’ o dulot ng polusyun galing sa ‘human activities’ at hindi galing sa Taal Volcano,” the agency said on a Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/PHIVOLCS/photos/a.285127764929462/3917149705060565/

(The haze being experienced in Metro Manila is called ‘smog’ which is caused by pollution from ‘human activities’ and not from Taal Volcano.)

Last June 28, Monday, Taal Volcano emitted sulfur dioxide (SO2) that caused a volcanic fog or “vog” over the island.

In a volcano bulletin issued on Tuesday, the SO2 recorded from the volcano on Monday, June 28, reached up to an average of 14,326 tonnes per day, significantly higher than the 4,771 tonnes daily average on Sunday, June 27.

The agency explained that the SO2 is acidic and can cause irritation to one’s eyes, throat, and nose.

People with respiratory diseases, senior citizens, and pregnant women were advised to take precautions since they are part of the group that is “particularly sensitive” to the effects of the “vog.”

Phivolcs, meanwhile, warned residents living near the Taal Volcano to take necessary precautions due to the SO2 emissions of the volcano.

The agency also advised those residing near the volcano to wear N95 masks, drink plenty of water to reduce irritation, and consult a doctor if needed.

Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 2 wherein sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur especially along nearby areas, according to the agency.

The agency strongly recommends that entry within the volcano is strictly prohibited for the safety of the public.

To recall, the Taal Volcano erupted last January 2020.  — Sofia Vertucio, trainee

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