23 Jan 2020 | 01:49 AM UTC
Philippines: Alert Level 4 continues for Taal volcano as of January 23 /update 6
Taal volcano remains under Alert Level 4 as of January 23, as the volcano continues to emit steam and experience earthquakes; avoid the area
Event
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced at 08:00 (local time) on Thursday, January 23, that the Taal volcano in Batangas province remains under Alert Level 4 (second highest on a five-tier scale). PHIVOLCS observed weak to moderate emissions of steam between 50-500 m (164-1640 ft) high from the main crater on Thursday morning. Over the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS has also recorded 467 volcanic earthquakes, indicating that there may be further eruptive activity.
A 14 km (9 mi) exclusion zone remains in place, and as a precaution police and military personnel continue to block tens of thousands of residents from returning to their homes in Taal's designated danger-zone, which covers 14 areas in Batangas and Cavite.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), over 300,000 people have been affected since Taal's eruption on Sunday, January 12, and almost 150,000 remain in evacuation centers as of January 22.
Power outages and disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected in the vicinity of Taal volcano over the coming hours and days, particularly in the event of a hazardous eruption.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected area are advised to avoid the vicinity of the volcano, monitor the situation, confirm flight reservations, anticipate transportation, business, and power disruptions, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin from ashfall.
