Classes in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna Province have been suspended in light of the latest Taal Volcano update. The volcano suddenly emits heavy sulfur dioxide gas, which started last Sunday, August 18.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Batangas announced the suspension to ensure students’ and teachers’ safety. Affected towns include Padre Garcia, San Juan, Cuenca, Bauan, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Padre Garcia, Lemery, and Balayan.
LOOK: Taal Volcano emits a thick layer of volcanic smog or “vog,” prompting in-person class suspensions in Batangas on Monday, Aug. 19.
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) August 18, 2024
Residents are advised to stay indoors and wear face masks when going out.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1. | 📷: Lemery Vice Mayor… pic.twitter.com/Iczy9KtzOs
The volcanic smog of Taal has also caused poor visibility in the surrounding areas. Various users on social media even shared photos of how thick the smog is. A Twitter/X post by the Philippine Inquirer shows the smog covering Lemery, Batangas, from a bird’s-eye view.
Also Read: Volcanic smog is observed over Taal Caldera
LOOK: The Ortigas skyline is veiled with smog at 6:30 a.m., Monday, August 19.
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) August 18, 2024
Department of Environment and Natural Resources stations showed unhealthy levels of air quality in parts of Metro Manila Sunday evening, August 18.
Increased vog emissions from Taal Volcano… pic.twitter.com/9YbsVnHFss
ABS-CBN News also shared a Twitter post on how the Ortigas skyline is wholly covered with volcanic smog, which is shortened as vog.
“Department of Environment and Natural Resources stations showed unhealthy levels of air quality in parts of Metro Manila Sunday evening, August 18,” ABS-CBN stated in their post.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) released more about Taal Volcano’s update and status. They stated that the volcano has emitted an average of 3355 tonnes of sulfur dioxide since August 15. According to their past statements, the PHIVOLCS monitored Taal’s eruption on August 12, 2024, which lasted for minutes.
Also Read: PHIVOLCS: Alert Level 3 raised over Taal Volcano
They also added that entry into Taal Volcano’s danger zone, including access to Taal Lake, is strictly prohibited. The latest update to Taal Volcano also confirms ‘Alert Level 1’. Experts advise citizens to keep windows closed and wear N95 masks.
“VOG consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2, which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure,” PHIVOLCS stated on its website.
As of this article’s writing, Taal Volcano update is ranked number 13 in the Philippines’ social media trends.
Keep Reading: Volcanic smog is observed over Taal Caldera
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