PHIVOLCS WARNS OF TAAL VOLCANO ERUPTION

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday warned of a possible eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas anytime.

According to Phivolcs, they observed an increase in real-time seismic energy measurement (RSAM) and low level emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the volcano since June.

The agency said the RSAM and the lack of observable degassing from the main crater may indicate blockage or plugging of volcanic gas pathways within the volcano, which may lead to short-term pressurization and trigger a phreatic or even a minor phreatomagmatic eruption.

Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano.

It advised local government units near the volcano to “continuously prepare for potential recurrence of volcanic sulfur dioxide increases and exposure of their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate the health impacts of these hazards.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that its Field Office (FO)-Calabarzon is ready to provide the needed assistance for any eventuality amid the increasing seismic activities in Taal Volcano.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the disaster response teams both in the Central Office and FO-Calabarzon are actively monitoring the situation in coordination with concerned local government units (LGUs) and other national government agencies.

“This is among our initial response as soon as the Phivolcs warned of a possible Taal volcano eruption. Mapa-preparation or post-disaster response man ‘yan,” Dumlao said.

“We do not wish for the eruption to occur, but we are making sure that we are well-capacitated in case it happens. Gaya nga po ng laging ine-emphasize ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government should be quick and omnipresent before, during, and after any type of disaster or emergency,” she added.

To date, the Calabarzon field office has 207,408 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) and 13,178 non-food items (NFIs) prepositioned in various storage facilities. The NFIs consist of hygiene, kitchen, sleeping, and family clothing kits.

The Disaster Response Management Bureau’s (DRMB) Quick Response Team (QRT) members, along with emergency equipment, are also on standby and ready for immediate deployment, if needed.

Dumalo added that the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) also ensures the continuous replenishment and availability of FNIs for resource augmentation to DSWD field offices, as necessary.