Smog in Metro Manila not caused by Taal Volcano - PHIVOLCS

The smog that was seen in Metro Manila may have been caused by air pollution rather than the Taal Volcano in Batangas, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Thursday.

State seismologists said that the volcanic smog or vog observed on Thursday was “primarily concentrated over the Taal Caldera region based on visual monitors.”

“The smog observed in Metro Manila may still be attributed to anthropogenic pollutants,” PHIVOLCS said.

PHIVOLCS added that the wind speed over Taal Volcano is low, at less than 1 meter per second, ''thus decreasing the likelihood of volcanic gasses to reach the Metropolitan region.”

Vog is composed of sulfur dioxide gas and other volcanic gasses that mix with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, dust, and sunlight. It can cause irritation on the eyes, nose, and throat, the PHIVOLCS warned.

PHIVOLCS reported on Wednesday a small phreatic eruption, or a steam-driven explosion that occurs when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, which lasted for two minutes.

Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano after it erupted on October 2. Prior to that, it erupted in July 2021 and was placed under Alert Level 3. —VBL, GMA Integrated News