Smog in Metro Manila not from Taal Volcano – Phivolcs, DENR
MANILA, Philippines — No, the smog you see in Metro Manila is not because of Taal, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday.
Phivolcs clarified to reporters that the vog (volcanic smog) it detected from Taal Volcano is drifting west-southwest and, hence, is not going toward Metro Manila.
“The smog [in Metro Manila] is not related to [the] Taal Volcano. Instead, the vog was over areas on the western side of Taal Volcano,” Phivolcs said.
Meanwhile, in an interview with INQUIRER.net, the DENR also said that based on the direction of air, the smog being experienced in parts of Metro Manila is not because of the Taal Volcano.
“Hindi po, kung ibabase natin sa galaw ng hangin, hindi po (No, if we base it on the movement of the wind, no),” a DENR representative who refused to be named said when asked if Taal Volcano is causing the smog in Metro Manila.
Unhealthy air quality in parts of Metro Manila
Despite this, the air quality monitoring data from the DENR indicates that certain areas within Metro Manila are currently encountering poor air quality, particularly in the cities of Parañaque, Pateros, and Makati.
“It may be inferred that the smog may be primarily attributed to emissions from heavy vehicular traffic, especially during rush hour. Air quality varies in time and places and can change anytime depending on pollution sources and meteorological factors,” the DENR said.
Air quality in Pateros and Makati is currently classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” prompting the DENR to warn people with respiratory diseases to limit going outdoors.
Parañaque, on the other hand, has “acutely unhealthy air quality,” and residents are warned to limit outdoor activities, while those with heart or respiratory diseases should stay indoors as much as possible.
