Batangas prepares for evacuation as Alert Level 2 raised in Taal Volcano

The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) prepares possible evacuation of residents staying around Taal Volcano after its alert status was raised to Alert Level 2 on Tuesday.

“Ang isa pa ho nyan, ‘yung preparedness  natin kung saka-sakaling magkakaroon ng evacuation. Sa ngayon, wala namang advice na i-evacuate ang nasa mainland, kundi kung saka-sakaling magkakaroon,” said Batangas PDRRMO head Lito Castro.

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Castro said authorities of some areas also banned residents from entering Taal Lake. The window hours for fishing were also reduced in some areas.

The Philippine National Police, the Coast Guard, and local government units of affected areas are also on alert.

“Namamalagi ang threatened area ay ang isla ng bulkan. So tinitiyak po natin  walang tao na pupunta sa  isla,” Castro added.

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National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesperson Mark Timbal said the council is monitoring the situation on Taal Volcano.

Batangas prepares for evacuation as Alert Level 2 raised in Taal Volcano

“Our Regional DRRMC for CALABARZON has already reminded all LGUs around the volcano island to ensure readiness for any possibility: the preparation for evacuation activities, evacuation centers, relief support, etc. integrating the COVID-19 protection protocols,” Timbal told reporters in a message.

The alert status of Taal Volcano was raised from Alert Level 1 (low level of unrest) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest), PHIVOLCS reported on its bulletin on Tuesday, March 9.

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The Taal Volcano Network (TVN) recorded a total of twenty-eight (28) volcanic tremor episodes, four (4) low frequency volcanic earthquakes, and one (1) hybrid earthquake at shallow depths of less than one and a half (1.5) kilometers beneath Taal Volcano Island or TVI in the past 24 hours.

Volcanic tremors have increased seismic energy compared to previously recorded episodes and ranged between three (3) to seventeen (17) minutes in duration. The total number of volcanic tremor events has risen to 866 since the onset of increased activity on 13 February.

In addition to these, a total of 141 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes (LFVQs) have occurred within one (1) kilometer depths beneath TVI and immediate vicinities. Overall, seismic activity in the past month indicates increased magmatic and hydrothermal activity at shallow depths beneath TVI.