Taal Volcano activity affecting 4,500 individuals in Calabarzon —DSWD

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said around 4,500 individuals in Calabarzon have been affected by the ongoing activity of Taal Volcano in Batangas.

“Mayroong estimated na 1,200 families o 4,500 individuals sa Calabarzon ang affected ng volcanic activity ng Taal Volcano,” DSWD Undersecretary Felicisimo Budiongan said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

(We have an estimated 1,200 families or 4,500 individuals in Calabarzon who are affected by the activity in Taal Volcano.)

Around 2,000 people or 500 families were staying in 16 evacuation centers in Agoncillo, Nasugbu, and Laurel, he added.

He said 2,500 people or 700 families took temporary shelter in the homes of their relatives and friends.

According to Budiongan, the DSWD sent 200 tents in Batangas Sports Center and 1 million face masks for the affected residents.

Around 2,000 food packs were provided to Laurel, and 1,500 to Agoncillo, and 5,000 in Bataan Sports Complex.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Taal Volcano on Monday, which means magma extruding from the main crater could drive an explosive eruption, according to PHIVOLCS. — BM, GMA News