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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hundreds seek medical help due to Taal vog

Hundreds seek medical help due to Taal vog

Published Sep 23, 2023 06:50 am
Taal Volcano in Batangas Ali Vicoy Manila Bulletin file photo.jpeg
Taal Volcano (Photo by Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN)

A total of 112 consultations due to complications related to the volcanic smog (vog) from Taal Volcano were recorded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon or Region 4A).

OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said that the reduced air quality in Calabarzon also forced the suspension of classes in 45 cities and municipalities in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.

This prompted the OCD Calabarzon to convene on Friday afternoon, Sept. 22, to coordinate the ongoing response operations relative to Taal vog.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the importance of timely coordination between national agencies, and regional and local government counterparts to ensure appropriate preparation and response interventions in the affected communities.

In response, Nepomuceno assured the affected residents that all the preparedness measures of the national government were in place to address the situation.

“Everything is manageable. Medical resources are available in the region as well as the other needs. The national government is always ready to support the local government units and the affected areas,” he said.

“We also remind the public to heed the advisories of the Department of Health (DOH) as well as the warnings being issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) for the safety of everyone. PHIVOLCS and the DOH have been issuing warnings on the health hazards posed by the volcanic smog. We are amplifying these advisories and warnings for public awareness,” he added.

In its bulletin advisory, the Phivolcs explained that a vog is consisted of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) which is acidic. 

It said that vog can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure. 

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 added.

Nepomuceno advised the public to limit exposure to Taal’s vog by avoiding outdoor activities and staying indoors, closing doors and windows, drinking water to address throat irritation, and to seek medical attention in case of emergency.

Related Tags

Vog Taal Volcano
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