Phivolcs detects smog over Taal volcano

Communities around Taal volcano in Batangas have been warned to stay alert amid continuing signs of volcanic unrest. In this photo taken from the Talisay-Tanauan Road on Monday, August 8, 2022, fish cage caretakers in Taal Lake do their chores, unmindful of smoke billowing out of the volcano. (INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has observed volcanic smog over Taal volcano in Batangas.

In its advisory on Friday afternoon, Phivolcs said it observed the haze at about 10:00 a.m.

“Since 10:00 AM today, volcanic smog or vog has been observed over Taal Lake by the Taal Volcano Network,” the institute reported.

“Continuous upwelling at the Taal Main Crater Lake formed steam plumes that rose 3,000 meters high before drifting to the north-northwest,” it said.

“Vog has been affecting the Taal Region since the first week of September 2023 as degassing activity from Taal volcano continues to date,” it added.

Phivolcs also cautioned the public, saying the fog can pose health hazards like eye, throat, and respiratory tract irritation.

“People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women, and children,” it enumerated.

It advised people at risk to limit outside exposure.

Phivolcs also recommended wearing N95 masks, frequently drinking water, and seeking medical attention if needed.

Department of Health issued an advisory cautioning residents near the volcano to exercise health measures last Sunday.

This bulletin came after 36 students were affected by the vog on Friday.

Some of them experienced chest pains and difficulty in breathing.

Currently, the volcano is on Alert Level 1 – a state of low volcanic unrest.

RELATED STORIES:

Residents near Taal cautioned against volcanic smog

Steam-driven explosions briefly observed on Taal volcano

APL/abc