22-9-2023 (MANILA) The Taal volcano, located near the Philippine capital Manila, emitted above-average levels of sulfur dioxide and volcanic smog on Friday (Sep 22), leading authorities to close schools in five cities and numerous towns, and urging residents to remain indoors.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake of the Taal volcano, resulting in the release of volcanic gases.
The alert level remained at 1 on a scale of 5, indicating a “slight increase in volcanic earthquakes, and steam or gas activity.”
Situated in a picturesque lake in Batangas province near Manila, the 311-meter Taal volcano is one of the most active among the 24 volcanoes in the Philippines.
In January 2020, it spewed ash and steam as high as 15 kilometers, resulting in the evacuation of over 100,000 people and the cancellation of numerous flights, as heavy ashfall reached as far as Manila.
Randy Dela Paz, the operations section chief at the civil defense’s southern Manila office, informed DWPM radio that there have been reports of respiratory illnesses in Batangas province due to exposure to volcanic smog.
Volcanic smog, known as vog, consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gases such as sulfur, which can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.
As a precautionary measure, authorities suspended classes in numerous towns and cities, including those in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, which are adjacent to the Taal volcano, as well as in five cities in the capital region.
The aviation authority also issued a notice to pilots, advising them to avoid flying near the summit of the volcano, as airborne ash and fragments from sudden explosions could pose hazards to aircraft.
The Philippines sits within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Metro Manila is looking more lonely today because of the Taal Volcano smog. Mask up, everyone. ????
pic.twitter.com/FRZv8sbswU— scott (@scottmarttin) September 22, 2023
