ReliefWeb

ALERT LEVEL 4

(Hazardous Eruption Imminent) is still raised over Taal Volcano

KEY FIGURES

159 Evacuation Centres

9 K Displaced Families

TAAL VOLCANO HAZARDS

1. Base Surges

2. Ash falls and ballistic projectiles

3. Lava flows

4. Seiches/Tsunamis and flooding

5. Lakeshore landslide

6. Fissuring and ground subsidence

• The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintains Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano. The volcano’s recent activities are characterised by continuous eruption of the Main Crater due to magmatic and hydrovolcanic activities. As of 0100h today, the Philippine Seismic Network recorded a total of 212 volcanic earthquakes in the area. Such intense seismic activities signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activities.

• PHIVOLCS observed 500-metre tall lava fountain topped by dark grey steam-laden plumes reaching to approximately 2-kilometre tall. Heavy ash fall was reported in towns located generally southwest and west of the Main Crater. Areas in the general north of the volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ash fall. Further, civil aviation authorities are strongly advised to command aircraft to avoid the volcano’s surrounding airspace, as airborne ash and ballistic fragments pose significant hazards to aircraft. In Manila, about 60-km away from the volcano, improvements on air quality and visibility were observed. Yesterday, Manila Airport resumed partial operations.

• PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and areas at high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within a 14-kilometre radius (photo above) from the Main Crater. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there is an estimated nearly half a million people within the danger zone. Ongoing evacuation remains to be the top priority of the Government. Other Local Government Units (LGU) who are not affected by this event are providing rescue, health, and relief assistance to the most affected LGUs.

• The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) maintains the Red Alert activation of its Operations Center, continuously coordinates with concerned subnational Operations Centers, and disseminated information and notification to the general public in the affected areas.

• NDRRMC reported three temporarily closed road sections around the volcano and a total of 604 (362 domestic and 242 international) cancelled flights due to the ash fall. Partial power interruption were also reported in seven towns within and near the 14-kilometre danger zone. Several towns, including some cities in Metro Manila, maintain suspension of classes and work.

• The AHA Centre is continuously monitoring the event and will issue updates should there be any significant development.