MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is ready to provide aid to the local government units in need of assistance due to Taal Volcano’s renewed unrest.

In a statement, the DSWD said its field office in Region IV-A has more than P2.6 million worth of family food packs (FFPs) and over P8.5 million worth of available relief supplies for repacking. It also has more than P8.3 million standby funds that can be used to procure additional emergency relief supplies.

“The FO has also placed its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under heightened alert to monitor volcanic activities and to provide technical assistance to municipalities that will require assistance,” according to the DSWD.

Meanwhile, the department urged residents in areas near the Taal Volcano to be vigilant and to strictly follow the orders of local authorities for their own safety. AAC

BATANGAS, Philippines — Authorities started evacuating residents on Taal Volcano island over the recent seismic activity and changes in the volcano’s main crater lake.

They live within the island which is supposed to be a ‘no man’s land,’ particularly those in two communities in the municipality of Talisay.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the evacuation was a precautionary move.

Science and Technology Undersecretary and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) OIC Renato Solidum said that he recommended the restriction of people on the whole island.

Earlier, Phivolcs has recorded 98 volcanic tremors in the past 24 hours having durations of five to 12 minutes.

The agency also monitored an increase in acidity and temperature of the Taal Volcano’s main crater lake.

Alert level 1 (abnormal) remains in effect with the possibility of sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal expulsions of volcanic gas occurring and threatening areas within the Taal Volcano island.

Phivolcs strongly advised the public against entering the Taal Volcano island, its permanent danger zone (PDZ), especially its main crater lake and fissures in Daang Kastila, due to the danger posed by the volcano’s recent activities. –MNP (with reports from Rey Pelayo)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned the public of possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions from Taal Volcano, based on their most recent recorded seismic activities of the volcano on Tuesday (February 16).

According to PHIVOLCS-DOST, they have recorded 98 volcanic tremors in the past 24 hours having durations of five to 12 minutes.

The Agency also monitored an increase in acidity and temperature of the Taal Volcano’s Main Crater Lake.

Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) remains in effect with possibility of sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal expulsions of volcanic gas occurring and threatening areas within the Taal Volcano Island.

PHIVOLCS-DOST strongly advised everyone against entering the Taal Volcano Island, Taal Volcano Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), especially its Main Crater Lake and fissures in Daang Kastila, due to the danger posed by the volcano’s recent activities. MNP / Raymund David