MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano showed no signs of activity in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Two weeks after it was placed under Alert Level 3 due to phreatomagmatic eruptions, no volcanic earthquake and tremor was recorded on Monday and yesterday.
Phivolcs said it would continue to monitor the behavior of the volcano even though its main crater appeared to have stopped releasing plumes.
Despite decreased volcanic activity, hundreds of families in danger zones remain in evacuation centers.
Last week, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said Taal Volcano’s alert status may be downgraded if its behavior continues to improve in the next two weeks.
Phivolcs said Taal remained under Alert Level 3 yesterday despite “decreased tendency toward hazardous eruption.”
Entry into Taal Volcano Island, which is considered a permanent danger zone, and Barangays Agoncillo and Laurel, which are at high risk, are prohibited.
All activities in Taal Lake and flying of any aircraft close to the volcano are not allowed.
Evacuation center belt
Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is eyeing the establishment of an evacuation center belt in Batangas to enhance disaster preparedness and offer safety and comfort to residents affected by calamities.
“We hope to put up another evacuation center in Nasugbu in order to create an evacuation center belt to enhance our readiness in times of calamities like the Taal Volcano eruption,” DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said.
President Duterte and DHSUD officials inspected the newly constructed evacuation center in Mataasnakahoy town on Monday.
The DHSUD had earlier turned over two evacuation centers in Sta. Teresita and Alitagtag, which are outside the 14-kilometer danger zone of Taal. – Rhodina Villanueva