The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is preparing for the “worst case scenario” in Taal Volcano after a series of small eruptions recorded in the volcano.
Under the “worst case scenario,” about half a million residents will have to be evacuated.
“Ang worst case scenario kasi natin, ‘yong violent eruption. So mas maraming kababayan natin ang maaapektuhan,” said NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad.
If Alert Level 4 is raised on the volcano, residents within the 14-kilometer danger zone will have to be evacuated.
It is said that the evacuation of many due to the pandemic is a big challenge, so the evacuees will be scattered in various provinces of the Calabarzon region.
“Mas mangangailangan tayo ngayon ng mas maraming evacuation centers. So pinaghahandaan ‘yan. Gagamit tayo ng mga eskuwelahan mostly. ‘Yong mga unoccupied housing projects ng NHA (National Housing Authority), hinahanda na rin,” said Jalad.
NDRRMC prepares for Taal Volcano’s ‘worst case scenario’
Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) now prevails over Taal Volcano. At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption.
The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island and into the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur.
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.
Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains its close monitoring of Taal Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.