Vog from Taal Volcano envelopes parts of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro

The volcanic smog or vog from the Taal Volcano has reached more than 30 cities and towns in Batangas and the nearby province of Occidental Mindoro, it was reported on Monday.

According to a report by Paul Hernandez of GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog on 24 Oras on Monday, the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said over 30 cities and municipalities in the province were affected by the vog. 

No one has been hospitalized due to the vog so far, the PDRRMO added.

“’Yung 31 po natin out of 34 municipalities that we have apat po ang cities doon. Alam naman po natin sa ngayon na ang hangin po talaga ay napakahina,” said PDRRMO Batangas Head Amor Calayan.

(A total of  31 out of 34 municipalities were impacted, of which four are cities. Right now the winds are weak.)

“Kasama po natin ang taga-PHO wala pa pong reported sa amin. Bagama't kami ay nagmamatiyag at amin pong kinukuha ang datos kung merong naapaketuhan ng respiratory problem or illnesses,” said Calayan.

(We are monitoring with the PHO and so far, we have yet to receive a report of an individual being hospitalized due to the effects of the vog.)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology defines vog as volcanic smog consisting of "fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as sulfur dioxide, which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure."

PHIVOLCS said the presence of vog does not necessarily mean Taal Volcano will erupt, especially no eruptions have occurred.

The agency could not ascertain how long the vog will last, especially with the absence of strong winds.

On Monday, Face-to-face classes at all levels were canceled by local governments until Tuesday.

Residents in affected areas are remind to wear face masks.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News