DOT tells tourists near Taal Volcano to evacuate
Tourists and tourism operators near the Taal Volcano were advised to evacuate Friday, July 2, after state volcanologists raised the alert status for the restive volcano that spewed a kilometer-high plume of gas and steam.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) "strongly advised" tourism stakeholders near Taal, especially those in high-risk areas, to immediately evacuate and take precautionary measures.
The DOT also urged tourists to postpone any of their activities, as well as essential or non-essential travel to the high-risk towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas.
The department likewise reminded the public that Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and that the entry there is strictly prohibited.
"The health and safety of our visitors and the locals the top priority of the DOT during this time," it added.
Meanwhile, tourists who may need assistance were advised to reach out to DOT Calabarzon at (049) 508-0741 or via email at [email protected].
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) hoisted on Thursday, July 1, Alert Level 3 over Taal. This indicates that "there is magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions."
Taal, a popular tourist destination set in the middle of a lake, is also one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Authorities said it has erupted more than 30 times in the past five centuries.
In January last year, Taal belched steam, ash, and small rocks, catching residents and tourists in the area off guard. The eruption prompted them to immediately leave their homes for safety.
The 50,000-foot-tall ash cloud ended up blanketing provinces surrounding the volcano, including parts of Calabarzon and Metro Manila. The ash fall reached as far as Central Luzon.
This forced the suspension of flights in the country's main airports, as well as classes in school, and work in government offices.
Although tagged as one of the world's smallest volcanoes, Taal is also one of the deadliest following its violent eruptions in 1754, 1911, and 1965, which left thousands of casualties.