Tanauan cuts power, water amid Taal eruption threat

Authorities had the supply of water and electricity in the 21 barangays of Tanauan, Batangas cut to discourage residents from returning to their homes amid the threat of an explosive eruption by Taal Volcano.

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras", the step was taken particularly in areas where residents refused to evacuate.

"As of noon today, we have cut off the electricity and water supply," Tanauan City Mayor Sweet Halili said.

To further dissuade residents from going back to their homes, Halili said authorities themselves would rescue livestock left in the area.

"Ang sa akin naman ang gagawin ko naman, kung ano yung rason kung bakit sila pumunta doon ay kukunin ko na lang, dadalhin ko rito, para hindi na sila pumunta doon," Halili said.

Residents have previously appealed for a window-hour where they would be allowed to return to their homes and retrieve their items.

"Handa po silang pumirma sa waver. Sa katunayan kung ano po man ang mangyari sa kanila, sa kanilang alagang hayon, wala po'ng aalahanin at wala po'ng pakealam ang mga nanunungkulan," Barangay Captain Macky Gonzales said.

However, Halili said this would put not only the residents at risk but also the uniformed men who would be accompanying them.

"Pag-hinayaan ko sila ng window time. Sasamahan pa sila ng ating uniformed men, and ang ating uniformed men pa ang at risk," Halili said.

Final rescue operations in the area were conducted by the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, and Tanauan City Hall officials on Thursday evening.

Due to this, the number of displaced residents in evacuation centers has increased from 4,000 to 8,000 overnight. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News