Number of Taal-affected individuals balloons to over 300k

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday said the number of individuals in CALABARZON affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano has increased to more than 300,000.

Its latest situation report stated that a total of 81,067 families or 316,989 people were affected.

Of this number, 39,811 families or 147,873 individuals are temporarily staying in 500 evacuation centers across the region, the council added.

The NDRRMC said a total of P27,479,948.79 worth of assistance was extended to these affected individuals by various government agencies.

Alert Level 4 is still raised over Taal Volcano.  According to PHIVOLCS, the volcano did not emit ash since 5 a.m. of Wednesday, although the threat of a hazardous eruption still remains.

The PHIVOLCS has been advising the public about the total evacuation from the Taal Volcano island as well as other high-risk areas.

The NDRRMC said various areas in Batangas have implemented total or partial lockdown to ensure the safety of the residents.

Many residents, however, did not agree with the lockdown and had attempted to forced their way pass police checkpoints to get to their homes, resulting in altercations with authorities. —KBK, GMA News