Ashfall affects fewer areas after eruption column height decreased to 2 kilometers — PHIVOLCS

The scope of areas reached by ashfall due to Taal Volcano's unrest has shrunk because of the reduced height of the eruption column spewed out by the volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Tuesday.

The two-kilometer plume from Taal Volcano is much shorter than the initial one that was emitted on Sunday.

"Mababa lang itong dalawang kilometro. Ibig sabihin, babagsak lang 'yan sa ilang towns ng Batangas unlike noong Sunday one to 15 kilometers, malayo ang mararating noon kasi mataas ang pinaggalingan, ipapadpad nang malayo iyon," PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum said at a press conference.

"Remember, the distance that would be covered ng abo depends on the height of the ash column," he added.

Classes and government work had been suspended in several areas in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila on Monday due to the ashfall.

The incident led to panic buying of N-95 face masks among some residents. The high demand for the protective gear has been taken advantage of by some sellers who jacked-up the price to up to P200 each.

Solidum, however, said that ashfall is no longer being experienced in Metro Manila since Monday morning as the wind direction changed the course of the volcanic ash.

"Nag-iba 'yung direction ng hangin, papunta 'yun sa southwest and western side ng volcano. Ang west ng volcano would be some towns of Batangas," he said.

Nonetheless, Solidum stressed that the public should not rely only on the physical observations in Taal Volcano as more earthquakes are being recorded—signifying a continued activity beyond what is easily observable.

"Kung anong visual activity of course you can compare it to the first day pero kung ano 'yung what is happening below, patuloy 'yung earthquake," he said.

"Ang isa sa pinakaimportanteng basehan kung bakit tayo nagtaas ng Alert Level 4 ay dahil doon sa mga lindol na nangyayari sa ilalim at dumadami pa nga ito at mas malalakas," he added.

A total of 212 volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network in areas surrounding the Taal Volcano as of 2 a.m. on Tuesday.

A hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days, according to the PHIVOLCS. — RSJ, GMA News