Residents observe changes on Volcano Island

More than two weeks after its eruption, changes can be observed on the landscape of Taal Volcano.

According to Howie Severino's Monday report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the volcano's main crater is already all dried up, while its previously green landscape now looks like a desert.

Meanwhile, the water from Taal Lake already receded by more than two meters from the shore.

"Ang paliwanag ng isang seismologist sa akin, dahil naubusan ng tubig 'yong crater lake at 'yong mga chamber sa ilalim niya, hinihigop na ngayon ng bulkan 'yong tubig mula dito sa lawa kaya kumakaunti ngayon ang volume ng Taal Lake," Severino said.

Moreover, despite the town of Balete being close to the volcano, no infrastructures were damaged. No injuries were also recorded.

There were no reports of looting by residents from Balete.

Taal Volcano had a phreatic eruption last January 12, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise an Alert Level 4, which means a hazardous eruption is imminent.

The alert level has been lowered to Level 3 on Sunday, meaning there is a decreased tendency towards hazardous eruption.

In its latest situational report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said over 137,000 people are still taking shelter in evacuation centers following the eruption. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News