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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Limit outdoor activities due to Taal vog – OCD

Limit outdoor activities due to Taal vog – OCD

Published Aug 19, 2024 06:21 am
smog.jpg
A smog blankets the skyline of Metro Manila on August 19, 2024 as monitoring stations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recorded unhealthy air quality levels in some areas of Metro Manila the night before. This is suspected to be linked to heightened vog emissions from Taal Volcano. (Photo by Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)

If you are going outside of your homes today, think again as it may cause health hazards.

Residents from Calabarzon (Region 4A) as well as Metro Manila were advised by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to avoid any outdoor activity due to the observed “vog” or volcanic smog from Taal Volcano in Batangas on Monday, Aug. 19.

In an advisory, the OCD said that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 although the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a degassing activity on the volcano in the past 24 hours.

“It is producing vog considering that no air movement or low windspeed was monitored in the area, causing [an] accumulation of SO2 [sulfur dioxide] over Taal caldera and adjacent areas,” the OCD said.

“We advised the public to limit outdoor activities, but when needed, wear face mask or N95 mask to protect yourself, hydrate or drink water to avoid throat irritation or nasal congestion and seek medical attention when necessary,” it added.

According to Phivolcs, vog forms when sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases mix with oxygen, sunlight, dust or ash. It creates a haze which can cause health problems such as respiratory issues, eye irritation, and sore throat among others.

The vog produced by Taal Volcano enveloped parts of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.

As a result, 40 local government units (LGUs) have cancelled their face-to-face classes and shifted to modular distance learning: 25 in Batangas, 10 in Cavite, and five in Laguna.

Suspension of classes were also announced in Metro Manila.

Related Tags

Vog Volcanic smog Taal Volcano Office of Civil Defense
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