File picture of Taal Volcano, Batangas province, Philippines on Friday July 2, 2021. Smog containing gases from a restive Philippine volcano sickened dozens of students and prompted 25 towns and cities to shut their schools on Sept. 22, 2023, as a health precaution. - AP
MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): An official from the state seismology bureau has assured that even with the volcanic smog or vog situation on Friday, the possibility of the Taal volcano erupting remains low.
In an INQ Today interview on Friday (Sept 22), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) volcano monitoring and eruption prediction division chief Mariton Bornas said that the volcano has a low chance of erupting at a major level.
“In terms of is there a chance of explosive activity, major explosions, major eruptive activity, at Taal are at a very low, low chance,” Bornas said.
However, she said that minor phreatic eruptions may still happen but will not warrant a cause for concern.
Phreatic eruptions occur from magma heating water below ground, which rises above the surface.
“This does not mean that we will not have phreatic, minor steam-driven eruptions, or weak phreatomagmatic eruptions, just like the bursts that we experience from time to time,” she added.
The Phivolcs official also reminded people living near the Taal Volcano to observe safety precautions to avoid adverse health effects from inhaling vog.
“We need to wear a face mask or avoid going outdoors, and if you cannot avoid going outdoors, then let’s wear a face mask. [...] If you have no N95 mask, then use several layers of the surgical mask. [...] If we are feeling not well, if we are exposed to volcanic smog, and are feeling the ill effects of this, please consult a doctor,” Bornas said.
She likewise reminded people to protect others who are at risk, such as young children, old people, and pregnant women.
“Let’s take care of the elderly, expecting mothers, and infants. If we are going to the Taal area, let’s make sure that they are protected with masks, or they stay indoors as much as possible,” she added.
