Classes suspended in Laurel, Batangas due to vog from Taal Volcano

Classes in all levels in Laurel, Batangas were suspended on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, due to the high level of vog, or volcanic smog, being emitted by Taal Volcano, the local government said.

In a Facebook post, the local government said affected classes were those from 10 a.m. onwards.

"Ito ay upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng kalusugan ng ating mga mag-aaral at mga guro [This is to ensure the safety of our students and teachers]," the local government said.

Laurel residents were advised to wear face mask, drink lots of water, and continue monitoring the local government's Facebook page for updates and advisories.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level unrest.

PHIVOLCS earlier warned of possible steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas in Taal.

According to PHIVOLCS' monitoring as of 5 a.m. on Wednesday, 7,680 tons of sulfur dioxide were released from the volcano on Tuesday, down from the 9,391 tons recorded on Monday.

A voluminous plume reaching up to 2,000 meters tall was also seen drifting northwest from the volcano, PHIVOLCS added.

PHIVOLCS warned of possible steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas in Taal.

"The entry into Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ) especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, occupancy and boating on Taal Lake," said PHIVOLCS.

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also prohibited, it added. —KBK, GMA Integrated News