Panic gripped residents in Batangas and nearby provinces after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 2 over Taal Volcano Tuesday, March 9, suggesting the probable formation of magma beneath it which may lead to an eruption.
As such, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised local government officials in areas near the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) to prepare for any eventuality including the conduct of evacuation activities, relief support operations, and integration of COVID-19 health protocols in evacuation centers.
"The NDRRMC is constantly monitoring the situation of Taal, and our regional DRRMC for Calabarzon has already reminded all LGUs around the Volcano Island to ensure readiness for any possibility," said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Mark Timbal. OCD is the implementing agency of the NDRRMC.
According to Phivolcs, it recorded a total of 28 volcanic "tremor episodes" or the rumbling of the ground due to the movement of magma (molten rocks), four low frequency volcanic earthquakes, and a hybrid earthquake beneath the TVI in the past 24 hours. It said that the total number of seismic tremor events rose to 866 since the onset of its increased activity last February 13.
The Phivolcs also noticed a record-high temperature of 74 degrees Celcius and a continuing increase in acidity in the Main Crater Lake. It said the increased acidity is caused by sustained volcanic gas activity.
Phivolcs also said that ground deformations and microgravity changes were observed in the TVI and Taal Caldera, respectively.
However, Alert Level 2 does not immediately warrant an evacuation, according to Phivolcs, but it reminded the public that the TVI is a permanent danger zone (PDZ) and entry to it, especially in the vicinities of the Main Crate Area and Daang Kastila fissure, remains prohibited.
Meanwhile, Timbal belied social media posts showing photos of the Taal "eruption." "There is no truth to the photos showing the volcano intensely emitting smoke and ash. The thumbnail from a post circulating in social media was a shot taken in 2020," he clarified.
Taal Volcano's last eruption happened in January 2020 when it spewed tons of ash in the air that reached as far as Metro Manila and forced the evacuation of residents in nearby regions.
To prepare the public, the NDRRMC provided a list of things to do before, during, and after a volcanic eruption.
BEFORE
Before a volcanic eruption, the NDRRMC said that it is crucial for an individual to determine the signs of an impending burst. These signs include an increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes that are accompanied by rumbling sounds; the change in color of the volcano's steam emission from white to gray; the drying up of vegetation, springs, and wells around the volcano; and the development of new thermal areas (an area of muddy hot springs) around the volcano.
The NDRRMC urged the public to be aware of their community's safety plans by regularly monitoring volcano updates, advisories, and warnings; knowing the location of evacuation sites and the fastest and safest route to go there; and preparing for their family's emergency "Go Bag" which contains items that are needed for survival including potable drinking water, food, clothes, money, and important IDs and documents among others.
DURING
In case of a volcanic eruption, the NDRRMC said that residents should stay away from the danger zones. The public should also heed calls for evacuation to safer grounds with priority on children, pregnant women, persons with disability (PWDs), and the elderly.
Affected residents are also advised to use wet cloth to cover their mouth and protective goggles from ashfall. Individuals with pets are told to keep the animals inside the house or their shelters so they can avoid inhaling ash. The public is also encouraged to stay away from rivers and streams to avoid being casualties during a possible lahar flow.
AFTER
Once the eruption is finished, the public is advised to remain alert and cautious. Leaving the evacuation area is only advised when authorities say it is safe to do so.
It is inevitable for people to go back and clean their house so they are encouraged to wear masks at all times to prevent inhaling lingering particles that may be harmful to the body. Scraping the accumulated ash in roofs is also advised to prevent the collapse of their homes.
For people with plants, the NDRRMC said it is necessary to shake the fallen ash before watering them.