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Agoncillo, Laurel still within danger zone under Alert Level 3 Taal status


Taal-affected towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas have remained within the reduced danger zone, despite the lowering of the alert level status of Taal Volcano on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, the Batangas government allowed residents of 12 towns and cities to return to their homes except in Agoncillo and Laurel following the declaration of a downgraded alert level status of Taal Volcano from Level 4 to 3.

From 14-kilometer radius, PHIVOLCS reduced the danger-zone area to seven-kilometer radius, which still encompasses Agoncillo, Laurel, and some parts of Tanauan City.

However, evacuees from the two towns were given window hours to return to their homes, according to reports on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday

Based on Allan Gatus’ report, residents in Agoncillo on Sunday were given at least four hours (from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) to check their houses.

Meanwhile, in Laurel, residents were given 7 hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to check their homes, according to Jonathan Andal’s report.

But, visiting is still prohibited in barangays Bugaan East, Buso?Buso, and Gulod in Laurel because these areas were still within the reduced danger zone.

In a press conference, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) director Renato Solidum Jr. said they recommended the local governments to decide on the residents’ return.

He advised local government chiefs to assess the damage in their respective areas before letting residents return home and to boost their preparedness in case the Taal alert level status will again be raised to Level 4. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News

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