Classes resume on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020 in Batangas colleges, universities outside 14-km danger zone

Classes will resume on Thursday in Batangas' colleges, technical and vocational schools, and universities outside the 14-kilometer danger zone around Taal Volcano, Governor Hermilando Mandanas announced on Wednesday.

Classes in secondary and primary schools in the entire province will continue to have no classes while Alert Level 4 remains in effect due to the volcano's expected explosive eruption in hours or days.

Taal Volcano has emitted no ash since 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has said.

However, PHIVOLCS said "unconsolidated ash" on Volcano Island has been blown by strong low-level winds towards the towns of Lemery and Agoncilo.

"Reports from several airlines state the presence of remobilized volcanic asj at a height of approximately 5,800 meters (19,000 feet)," PHIVOLCS said in its 4 p.m. advisory.

PHIVOLCS said seismic records and visual observation indicated no ash emission.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS already said there were fewer volcanic earthquakes and reduced sulfur dioxide emissions.

Despite this, Alert Level 4 remains over the Taal Volcano due to possible hazardous explosive eruption within hours or days.

PHIVOLCS also reiterated the total evacuation of the Taal Volcano island and high-risk areas within the given 14-kilometer danger zone. —NB, GMA News