NDRRMC: 215,773 affected by Taal Volcano eruption

The number of individuals affected by the Taal Volcano eruption has increased to 215,773, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday.

In its 12 noon situation report, the NDRRMC stated that this  number is equivalent to 53,716 families from the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Cavite.

The NDRRMC said of that number, 29,474 families or 112,757 individuals are taking temporary shelter in a total of 416 evacuation centers, up from 26,767 families on Sunday.

Citing data from the PHIVOLCS, the NDRRMC said a total of 714 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the vicinity of Taal as of 6 a.m. of January 20.

The council also reported that more than P3 billion worth of damage to agriculture was incurred in CALABARZON due to the volcanic activity which started last week.

Assistance amounting to P17,227,950.61 was provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and other local government units. 

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 4 remains raised over Taal Volcano, which means a hazardous eruption is still imminent, or possible within hours or days.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said at least 98% of the residents living within the 14-kilometer radius from Taal Volcano’s main crater have already been evacuated by authorities, noting that mandatory evacuation is ongoing.

Data from the Philippine National Police showed that a total of 1,821 police search and rescue personnel were deployed in affected areas while 9,981 others are on standby and ready for rapid deployment to assist in the evacuation and relief efforts.

Police also helped in the rescue of distressed farm and work animals, livestock and domesticated pets that were abandoned in evacuated communities. — BM, GMA News