Taal Volcano shows unrest, residents alerted
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raises alert to level 2, as Taal Volcano shows rising unrest. Alert level 2 means that there is ‘probable magmatic activity that may or may not lead to eruption’. The agency alerted the local government units to strengthen preparedness especially among its residents, however evacuation may yet not be necessary at alert level 2.
“The barangay leaders are now actively assessing the communities and advising the families to stay ready in case the situation worsens,” shares Ever Rogero, World Vision Program Officer assigned in Batangas. “As part of our disaster preparedness activity, we also provided orientation to families on what to prepare before a volcanic disaster and what to do during an eruption,” explains Rogero.
World Vision currently assists over 2,000 sponsored children in Laurel, Batangas situated about 13 kilometers away from Taal.
In January last year, World Vision launched its emergency response after Taal reached alert level 4 spewing lava and volcanic rocks, resulting to major ashfall and damage to surrounding communities within danger zones – which left over 200,000 individuals displaced.
The emergency response reached 3,100 families with hygiene kits, 6,079 students with learning kits, and 12,000 individuals with N-95 masks. Around 290 children also joined psychosocial activities in 5 child-friendly spaces set up by the organization.
World Vision continues to monitor the situation and coordinates with the local government units and community partners.
