Taal emits over 15,000 tonnes of sulfur dioxide —PHIVOLCS

The Taal Volcano has emitted an average of 15,347 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas per day, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Thursday.

In its latest advisory, PHIVOLCS said this marks a rising trend in volcanic SO2 degassing since August 13, which then recorded a short-term average of 8,351 tonnes per day.

“The high SO2 flux, water vapor emitted in plumes, weak air movement and solar radiation will continue to produce volcanic smog or vog over the Taal region,” the agency said.

Due to this, PHIVOLCS said some residents of Talisay and Brgy. Barigon, Agoncillo have reported adverse effects from the volcanic smog.

The agency also observed hazy conditions in over the Taal Lake and the surrounding municipalities.

“As a reminder, vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract in severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure,” it said.

“People particularly sensitive to such ill effects are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” it added.

PHIVOLCS advised residents to do the following should they be exposed to vog:

•     Limit your exposure. Avoid outdoor activities, stay indoors, and shut doors and windows to block out vog.
•      Protect yourself. Cover nose, ideally with an N95 facemask
•     Drink plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction
•     If belonging to the particularly sensitive group of people above, watch over yourself and seek help from a doctor or the barangay health unit if needed
•     If serious effects are experienced, call the doctor or the barangay health unit.

PHIVOLCS advised communities around the Taal Lake to take precautionary measures.

It also advised local government officials to conduct health checks on communities affected by vog as well as to consider temporary evacuation of severely exposed residents to safer areas.

Alert Level 2 remains over the Taal Volcano.—AOL, GMA News