Taal Volcano smog hits six areas in Batangas

This handout photo taken and received on March 26, 2022 from the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) shows the Taal volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake in Batangas province, after an eruption sent ash and steam hundreds of metres into the sky.
Handout / Philippine Volcanology and Seismology / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The Taal Volcano has emitted smog affecting six areas in Batangas, according to the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Batangas PDRRMO chief Amor Calayan said that the affected areas include Calaca City, Alitagtag, San Nicolas, Tuy, Barangay Banyaga in Agoncillo, and Barangay Boso-Boso in Laurel, due to the volcano's release of 10,933 metric tons of sulfur dioxide since last week.

Calayan assured that the impact on the areas remains minimal.

According to the bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the level of sulfur dioxide emitted by the Taal Volcano has remained consistent since January 9.

The agency also reported on Tuesday that the sulfur dioxide emissions of the Taal Volcano have subsided compared with the levels logged on January 4. 

The Taal Volcano maintains Alert Level 1, indicating low volcanic unrest. 

This signals the possibility for minor ashfalls, volcanic earthquakes, and the release of harmful gases, while suggesting the possibility of phreatic eruptions due to the upwelling of volcanic fluids.

Show comments