95% of Talisay residents evacuated due to Taal's activity —mayor

The local government of Talisay, Batangas has ordered forced evacuation for its residents due to Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption or spewing of ash due to hydro-thermal activities.

In an interview in Unang Balita, Talisay Mayor Gerry Natanauan said that the evacuation of majority of the town's population is already being facilitated.

"Hanggang sa oras na ito ay nasa 95% [lumi]likas na ang mga tao at may pailan-ilan pang natitira sa kanilang mga bahay-bahay dahil ayaw iwanan ang kanilang mga property," Natanauan said.

He said that rescue teams continue to roam around Talisay to convince the remaining residents to evacuate.

The evacuees are being brought to Nasugbu, Tanauan, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Roads made slippery by ashfall, however, are slowing down the ongoing evacuation efforts, according to Talisay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

"Sapat 'yung dumadating na sasakyan, nahihirapan lang po dahil madulas 'yung kalsada," Talisay MDRRMO officer-in-charge Peter John Mirania said in a separate interview, as residents line up and wait for the arrival of rescue trucks.

"Almost half na po ng population ng Talisay, na-nailikas na po namin... Hindi na tayo maghihintay na mag-Alert Level 5 pa, mas mahihirapan na tayo maglikas ng mga tao pag Alert Level 5 na," he added.

Water and power supplies in town are down, according to Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste.

He said that around 12 municipalities surrounding the volcano are currently considered as critical areas.

Leviste said the province is in need of additional rescue trucks, face masks, and drinking water for its residents. He also said close coordination between the concerned local governments is in place to ensure the safety of their constituents. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News