Agoncillo, Batangas Mayor leads evacuation following phreatomagmatic eruption of Taal Volcano

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

Agoncillo, Batangas Mayor Atty. Cinderella Valenton-Reyes led the evacuation of residents on Thursday evening following the phreatomagmatic eruption of Taal Volcano.

The evacuation and immediate response were conducted in partnership with several agencies, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard.

According to information from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Resident Volcanologist Paolo Reniva, a phreatomagmatic eruption has occurred at Taal Volcano that can emit ash, sulfur vapor, and volcanic gases.

The local government unit, in a statement, that it is "important to be cautious and follow the warnings of the relevant authorities."

"Because of this, our Local Government prioritized our compatriots living near the volcano, as a precaution against the effects of volcanic gases, including sulfur, which can be irritating and harmful when inhaled," it added.

The evacuated residents are staying at the PAGCOR Socio-Civic Center and in the homes of their relatives as the LGU continues monitoring activities.

"The Local Government of Agoncillo and all partner offices continue to be ready to respond to the needs of our citizens," it added.

The PHIVOLCS logged a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at the main crater of the Taal Volcano on Thursday.

According to a "24 Oras" report, the eruption lasted five minutes at Taal’s main crater. The crater of the volcano emitted black smoke, which reached 4,000 meters into the sky.

PHIVOLCS warned surrounding areas that there was a possibility of thin ash fall, particularly in the towns of Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas, Taal, Batangas and adjacent areas. — BAP, GMA News