Taal emits more sulfuric dioxide smog

DANGER LURKS Communities around Taal Volcano in Batangas province have been warned to stay alert amid continuing signs of volcanic unrest. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

State volcanologists on Friday noted an increase in the gas emissions of Taal Volcano, reminding the public that the volcano remains in an “abnormal condition” and that its alert level may be upgraded.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday that volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas from the volcano reached a record of 13,572 tons. This may be the highest volume of SO2 flux since July, the agency said.

On July 15, Phivolcs recorded only 7,818 tons of SO2 per day, which was an increase from the 1,289 tons a day between May and mid-July. Such has produced a significant volume of volcanic smog, or “vog” over the Taal Caldera, according to Phivolcs, and it was observed to have thickened between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.

Sulfurous stench was also reported by residents of Banyaga in Agoncillo, Batangas; Poblacion 5, Boso-boso and Gulad in Laurel; and in Talisay, Batangas.

Damage to crops came as a result of acid rain was also reported in Cabuyao, Laguna, on August 8, according to Phivolcs. Such “vog” could lead to irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract if exposed.

Five volcanic tremors events lasting three to eight minutes were also recorded during the past observation period. —DEMPSEY REYES