Taal volcanic smog affects 3 towns
MANILA, Philippines — As increased sulfur dioxide emissions were recorded in Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned the public anew against volcanic smog or vog.
Phivolcs said ”significant” vog was reported in Laurel, Agoncillo and Sta. Teresita towns in Batangas as sulphur dioxide emissions reached 10,718 tons yesterday.
Gas emissions have increased by more than 10,000 tons since July 15, Phivolcs said.
Residents were advised to avoid outdoor activities and close their doors and windows as vog contains volcanic gas that is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract.
Phivolcs said vog can also generate acidic rain that may cause damage to crops and infrastructure.
The agency said an increase in degassing activity in the volcano with visible upwelling of volcanic fluids and emission of steam-rich plumes that rose up to 2,500 meters were also observed.
Seven volcanic earthquakes were recorded since Thursday.
Taal Volcano remains on Alert Level 1, which means it is still in abnormal condition. This means sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur.
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