PHILIPPINES: Taal Volcano Eruption, Towns Evacuated, Manila Flights Cancelled

Taal Volcano in the Philippines has erupted on Sunday (January 11, 2020) which has forced the residents to evacuate. Experts have warned of another possible hazardous eruption. The volcano’s eruption has led to the evacuation of three towns.

Flights (both arrivals and departures) have been cancelled at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to the eruption.

PHIVOLCS UPDATE as of January 13, 2020 4pm (Philippine Time). DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates the total evacuation of the volcano island and high-risk areas within the 14-kilometer radius from the Taal Main crater must be enforced.

phivolcs update taal volcano jan 13 4pm

As of January 13, 2020 at 3:20am (Philippine Time), PHIVOLCS has posted an update showing lava fountain emitting from main crater of the volcano. Here’s their picture:

lava fountain taal volcano

Below is a statement from the DOST-PHIVOLCS as of 3:20am – January 13, 2020:

ERUPTION UPDATE FOR TAAL VOLCANO
13 JANUARY 2020
3:20AM

As of this issuance, ashfall from ongoing eruption of Taal has reportedly fallen in the following areas:

    • Tanauan Batangas
    • Escala Tagaytay
    • Sta. Rosa Laguna
    • Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Silang Cavite
    • Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, Meycauayan Bulacan
    • Antipolo Rizal
    • Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Marikina, Paranaque, Pasig, Quzon City, Mandaluyong, San Juan Manila
    • Makati City
    • Taguig City

Larger particles called lapilli measuring 2 to 64 millimeters in diameter have reportedly fallen in the following areas:

    • Tanauan, Talisay Batangas
    • Tagaytay City
    • Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna

Fine ashfall can cause irritation and breathing problems especially among the elderly and children and it is particularly dangerous to our health. In addition, areas of ashfall have also experienced sulfurous smell which can also cause irritation. Affected populations are advised to drive with extreme caution as wet ash can cause poor visibility and, when wet, can make roads slippery.

The Philippine Seismic Network has recorded a total of 52 volcanic earthquakes in the Taal region as of 12:49am, January 13, 2018. Twenty-six (26) of these earthquakes were gelt with intensities ranging from Intensity II-V in Tagaytay City, Cabuyao, Laguna, Talisay, Alitagtag, Lemery and Bauan, Batangas. Such intense seismic activity probably signifies continuous magma intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity.

DOST-PHVOLCS strongly reiterates the total evacuation of the Volcano Island and high-risk areas within the 14-kilometer radius from the Taal Main Crater. Areas in the general north are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall. Civil aviation authorities have advised aircraft to avoid airspace around Taal Volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLVCS is continually monitoring the eruption and will update all stakeholders for further developments.

DOST PhilVolcs taal volcano

The Manila International Airport Authority suspended arrivals and departures.
Here’s a statement

Here’s a Tweet from PHILVOCS of the eruption of Taal Volcano:

The Department of Health has posted of Health has posted a note against the effects of ash fall and this serves as a warning for residents to prevent health problems.

department of health ash fall