Almost 100,000 families affected by Taal Volcano —NDRRMC

Two weeks Taal Volcano first had a phreatic eruption, almost 100,000 families have been affected by the volcano's activity, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday.

Based on NDRRMC’s 6 a.m. situational report on Sunday, at least 376,327 people or 98,187 families were affected since the phreatic eruption in the volcano’s crater on January 12.

At least 135,365 people or 37,203 families were staying in 497 evacuation centers, while 168,569 persons or 43, 824 families were taking shelter in their relative’s houses.

A total of P3,215,788,882 damage to agriculture was reported in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.

Over P58 million of assistance has been provided to Taal victims.

At least 264 cities and municipalities in CALABARAZON, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, and the National Capital Region declared class suspension. As of January 23, classes in 228 cities and municipalities have already resumed.

On Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) downgraded the alert level raised over Taal Volcano from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News