Agricultural damage from Taal eruption hits P3B —NDRRMC

Damage to agriculture and livestock following the eruption of Taal Volcano on Sunday has now reached around P3 billion, according to the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The damages cover the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.

A total of 22,472 families or 96,061 individuals have been affected by the eruption. Of the number, 16,174 families are taking temporary shelter in 300 evacuation centers.

Volcanic activity continues,  with a total of 653 volcanic earthquakes having been recorded in the Taal region as of 5 p.m. on Friday. Of the number, 174 were felt with a magnitude ranging from 1.2 to 4.1 and intensity of I to V.

In a separate bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the consistent volcanic earthquakes recorded at Taal Volcano signified continuous magma intrusion which may lead to an explosive eruption.

Due to this, a total of 264 municipalities in Region III, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, and the National Capital Region declared a suspension of classes.

As of Friday, classes in 179 municipalities have already resumed.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains is expected over Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna on Saturday.

Alert number four remains over Taal Volcano due to possible hazardous explosive eruption within hours or days. —LDF, GMA News