Taal Volcano can no longer be seen due to the thickness of the enveloping volcanic smog or vog, Tuesday morning.
Even the lake has zero visibility, and the towns surrounding the volcano, even the mountain where Tagaytay is located, cannot be seen.
Residents in Laurel, Agoncillo, and Talisay who are concerned about their health are most affected.
“Nakakasakit sa lalamunan, tatlong araw nang ganyan, nabara sa lalamunan namin kaya maraming nagkakaubo dito lalo na mga bata, delikado,” according to Talisay resident Dolit Dela Cruz.
According to Phivolcs, Taal Volcano continues to emit volcanic sulfur dioxide and steam-rich plumes from the volcano’s main crater. The level of sulfur dioxide emitted by the volcano has been high over the past day.
If last week its level was only at 4,700 tons, yesterday it recorded 14,326 tons. Phivolcs added that the vog is condensing due to the lack of wind.
Causes of volcanic smog in Taal Volcano
“Ibig sabihin pareho lang ‘yan ng nakikita nating steam plume, pero dahil nga kung mahina ang hangin at ‘yung humidity ay mataas ‘yung maraming moisture at hindi ganoon kainit pa ay hindi talaga aakyat nang mataas ang gas na lumalabas kaya nagkakaroon ng volcanic smog o vog,” said Phivolcs Director Undersecretary Renato Solidum.
“‘Yung napabalita kahapon na umabot sa Metro Manila dahil kakaiba ay mali po ‘yun…. Haze dapat ang tawag dito sa Metro Manila o smog dahil polusyon po ‘yun dahil sa human activity lalo na sa vehicle,” said Solidum.
Based on air quality monitoring by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, “unhealthy levels” were recorded in north Caloocan, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Marikina on Monday.
It is said that this happens when the level of activity is high in highly urbanized areas, and it is possible that it is a combined effect of pollution and the activity of Taal Volcano.
“Maaaring may kasamang mga fine particles at aerosols na kung saan kung ang direksiyon ng hangin natin ay from south west, papunta sa north east o Metro Manila, maaring madala niya ‘yun at makapag-contribute,” said DENR Senior Environmental Management Specialist Jundy Del Socorro.
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