OCD: Measures in place to assist areas affected by Taal Volcano eruption

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Thursday that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety of and help affected communities following the phreatomagmatic eruption of Taal Volcano on Wednesday.

"The OCD, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and our regional and local government partners in CALABARZON are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautionary measures. As President Marcos noted this morning, protocols are in place. The national government stands ready to assist, especially if the situation deteriorates," said OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.

On Wednesday, PHIVOLCS reported a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal Volcano.

“The phreatomagmatic event was likely driven by sudden contact of water with a small branch of shallow magma that has been in place beneath the Taal Main Crater and that has been degassing sustained levels of SO2 for the past three years,” PHIVOLCS explained.

Alert Level 1 remains over Taal Volcano, indicating that it is still in an abnormal state and the threat of eruptive activity persists.

Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) CALABARZON has reinforced orders regarding the No Human Settlement Area, as mandated by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape through Resolutions No. 65 (2020) and 01 (2021).

The government urges the public to avoid entering Taal's Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), particularly areas around the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

"Residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions, and heed the warnings and advisories issued by authorities," the OCD said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News