Residents of the entire Taal Island were given precautionary advised today to evacuate due to the rapid escalation of volcanic earthquake happening since this morning (January 12), 11AM, due to the volcano’s hydrothermal activity. In a radio interview, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. stated that at around 2:30 this afternoon, their team has released an alert level no. 2, suggesting mandatory evacuation.
However, at around 4PM, the warning has been raised to alert level no. 3. Usec. Solidum also added that as of now they are still carefully monitoring the situation and that they might possibly raise the warning in case the situation worsens due to the ongoing magmatic unrest of the volcano.
The places which have been ordered to be evacuated were the entire Taal Island, specifically San Isidro, Tibag, Alas-as, Kalawit, and other minor barangays within the area. Usec. Solidum also said on the interview that the residents must be prepared as they might experience more earthquakes and other impacts due to the eruption.
He also advised the residents of the surrounding areas of the lake to take precautionary measures and be ready just in case escalations and steaming activities of the lake will continue to upsurge.
Meanwhile, according to PHIVOLCS’ bulletin this 4pm:
“The volcano’s main crater has escalated its eruptive activity, generating an eruption plume one kilometer high, accompanied by volcanic tremor and felt earthquakes. This means that there is magmatic intrusion that is likely driving the current activity. Ashfall is currently being showered on the southwest sector of Taal.”
As of this afternoon, Taal Volcano spewed ashes due to hydro-thermal activities. Mark Timbal of the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (MDDRRC) said residents of the nearest towns are now evacuating due to risks.
During the recent years, PHIVOLCS has always been closely monitoring Taal volcano due to its successive unusual activities that produced tremors around the area. The volcano’s last major eruption was during the year 1965, followed by another explosion during the year 1977.
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