Number of people affected by Taal activity surpasses 50k —NDRRMC

The number of individuals displaced by the Taal Volcano eruption has reached 53,019, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Wednesday.

In its 6 a.m. situation report, the NDRRMC said the number is from 12,486 families in Batangas and Cavite. Of that number, a total of 10,000 families or 43,681 individuals are being assisted in 217 evacuation centers.

According to the NDRRMC, the cost of assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health was at P4,971,175.28.

Also, it said all national road sections in CALABARZON are already passable.

Alert Level 4 is still raised over Taal Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is still imminent, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

PHIVOLCS said volcanic earthquake continues in Taal's vicinity as 159 new tremors were recorded from 5 a.m. on Tuesday to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, noting that 28 of these were felt with intensities ranging from I to III.

Government forces continue to encourage residents within Taal's vicinity to temporarily evacuate the area for their own safety.

Taal Volcano’s activity last Sunday resulted in the cancellation of 603 domestic and international flights as well as suspension of classes and work in CALABARZON and nearby regions. —LBG, GMA News