Philippines: Taal volcano remains under Alert Level 4 as of January 20 /update 5

Event

Officials from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned on Monday, January 20, that the Taal volcano in Batangas province remains dangerous despite a recent reduction in activity. The volcano emitted weaker ash and steam explosions but over 600 volcanic tremors were recorded in the last 24 hours. PHIVOLCS has kept Taal at Alert Level 4 (second highest on a five-tier scale), meaning that a hazardous explosive eruption remains possible in the coming hours or days.

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, out of the 200,000 individuals who have been displaced since Taal's eruption on Sunday, January 12, 104,377 people remains in evacuation centers.

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.