Agoncillo residents, crops affected by sulfur dioxide from Taal Volcano

Residents of three barangays in Agoncillo, Batangas experienced itchy throats due to the sulfur dioxide being released by Taal Volcano.

According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said crops also dried out in Barangay Banyaga, Bilibinwang, and Subic Ilaya after the rain.

While the Municipal Agriculture Office promised to investigate the matter, the PHIVOLCS said this was also caused by the sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano.

Taal released more than 9,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in the past two days.

PHIVOLCS reminded residents living near the volcano to wear masks and to drink plenty of water.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 or “increased unrest.” — Joahna Lei Casilao