The Department of Health (DOH) warned the residents near Taal Volcano to wear protective gear against the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide emitted in an eruption.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, sulfur dioxide emitted during the Taal Volcano’s short phreatomagmatic bursts yesterday could irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, especially for people with asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
“Ang mga panganib na dulot ng pagkilos nitong bulkan ay may kaakibat din pong panganib sa ating kalusugan (The threat posed by the unrest of the volcano has a corresponding threat to our health),” she said in an online briefing.
She added sulfur dioxide emissions may cause difficulty in breathing, a heavy feeling in the chest, coughs, and an itchy throat or nose.
“Magsuot po kayo ng dust mask o N95 mask, proteksyon sa mata tulad ng goggles, at proteksyon sa balat kung kayo ay lalabas ng bahay (Wear a dust mask or N95 mask, eye protection like goggles, and skin protection when leaving the house),” she said.
DOH warns against dangers of Taal Volcano’s emissions
“Higit sa lahat, manatili po tayong alerto sa mga kaganapang ito at sumunod po tayo sa mga warning o abiso ng inyong LGU (Most importantly, stay alert and follow the warnings or advisories of your LGU),” she added.
Those living near Taal volcano should keep their doors and windows closed and stay indoors as much as possible.
Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) now prevails over Taal Volcano. At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption.
At 3:16 PM yesterday, a short-lived phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Main Crater and generated a dark grayish plume that rose 1000 meters. This was followed by four (4) short phreatomagmatic bursts that occurred at 6:26 PM, 7:21PM, 7:41PM and 8:20 PM that lasted not longer than two (2) minutes each and produced short jetted plumes that rose 200 meters above the Main Crater Lake.
All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time. Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify.
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