Taal volcanic smog reaches Metro Manila, nearby provinces, says Phivolcs
The volcanic smog detected from Taal Volcano has spread over Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday, June 30.
According to Phivolcs, the sulfur dioxide (SO2) plumes released by the volcano have spread over Metro Manila, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales.
PRESS RELEASE ON VOLCANIC SO2 DISPERSAL INFORMATION FOR TAAL VOLCANO (updated)
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) June 29, 2021
30 June 2021
6:30 A.M.#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/bERwslDmTx pic.twitter.com/JhHK94b5ly
“The DOST-Phivolcs stands to acknowledge evidence of the wider extents that volcanic SO2 have actually spread over the NCR and adjoining provinces and gives credence to the many observations that the public have communicated,” Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs previously negated observations made by the public over the presumed volcanic smog or “vog” seen in Metro Manila coming from Taal volcano since June 28, claiming that they were mainly due to pollution from human activities.
Phivolcs warned the public that sulfur dioxide could cause irritation on eyes, nose and throat and affect sensitive groups like people with heart and respiratory problems, the elderly, children and pregnant women.
People at risk of exposure should wear N95 face masks or gas masks and drink plenty of water to soothe irritation or alleviate difficulty in breathing. They should also avoid exposure to the volcanic gas by staying away from the source of SO2 and staying indoors with the windows closed.
Alamin kung ano ang SO2 o sulfur dioxide na nilalabas ng bulkan? Makakapekto ba ito sa atin kung ito'y ating malalanghap?#HandaAngMayAlam #BantayBulkan #ScienceForThePeople pic.twitter.com/nqmxUC0ayt
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) June 29, 2021
The agency advised the public not to enter the Taal Volcano Island, specifically the main crater and Taal lake. Aircrafts flying near the crater are also prohibited.
Taal volcano remains at Alert Level 2 or increased unrest, warning the public that “sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas” may occur.
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) June 30, 2021
Buod ng 24 oras na pagmamanman
30 Hunyo 2021 alas-5 ng umaga #TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/gV8gAUx3Kg pic.twitter.com/06STxh1r6Q
(Thick haze covers Ortigas business district as seen from Antipolo and the rest of Metro Manila on June 29. Photo by Michael Varcas/The Philippine Star)