Volcanic smog hits towns around Taal anew

MANILA, Philippines —  Volcanic smog or vog was reported yesterday in towns around Taal Volcano following an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

State seismologists said vog was observed from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lemery and parts of Agoncillo and Laurel.

Wind speed of two to four meters per second was monitored, leading to the accumulation of gasses.

Phivolcs said upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake that generated plumes reaching 1,500 to 2,400 meters was also monitored.

The agency said vog in the next few days would depend on wind condition in the areas surrounding the volcano.

Sulfur dioxide emissions of 10,933 tons per day were recorded on Monday.

The emissions have been on an uptrend since December, averaging 10,000 tons per day.

They reached a record high of around 12,000 tons on Jan. 4.

Meanwhile, no volcanic earthquake was recorded in the volcano yesterday.