Philippines: Volcanic activity ongoing at Taal Volcano in Batangas Province March 29; evacuations ongoing /update 1

Event

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is maintaining the Level 3 of a five-tier scale alert level for Taal Volcano in Batangas Province March 29 due to continued elevated activity. Three eruptions early March 28 resulted in 400-800 meter (1,312-2,625 foot) ash clouds that drifted southwest. The volcano lies approximately 29 km (18 miles) north-northwest of Batangas City.

PHIVOLCS has recommended that Taal Volcano Island and the barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-Boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, and Laurel be evacuated. More than 4,900 people have been displaced; authorities have set up 17 evacuation shelters in the vicinity. Officials are prohibiting evacuees from returning until Alert Level 3 is lifted. Authorities have designated the entire Taal Volcano Island as a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ); entry onto the island as well as Agoncillo and Laurel barangays is prohibited. All activities on Taal Lake are also prohibited. Communities around the lake are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash, and prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify. The Civil Aviation Authority is advising pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as potential airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions may pose a risk to aircraft.

Officials could order additional evacuations and impose ground travel restrictions along roads in nearby areas if significant eruptions occur and produce ashfall. Ash could reduce visibility and make streets slippery, possibly triggering localized ground traffic disruptions. Flight disruptions could occur at nearby airports if a major eruption occurs.

Health
Volcanic activity may impact air quality in areas surrounding Taal Volcano. Following an explosive event, air quality could become a concern, particularly near the crater. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and suffer from lower tolerance for physical exertion.

Advice

In the event of eruptions, contact airlines for updated flight information; confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport. Avoid areas with heavy ash accumulations. If operating in areas affected by the ash cloud, consider remaining indoors in air-conditioned facilities when possible. Those who must be outdoors should use protective face coverings and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation. Drive defensively; seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas close to the volcano. Follow official instructions.

Resources

Phillippine Institue of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)