The Philippines holds claim to
having one of the most uniquely formed and therefore picturesque complex
volcano structures in the world. That would be Taal Volcano in Batangas, located
within the same-named Taal Lake, the volcanic island with its crater lake tends
to be calm enough on most years, but when volcanic activity does spike, it has
a tendency to be very fierce, likely hazardous, and potentially deadly. That
has not stopped people from settling on Taal’s island to fish and farm despite
it being classified as a permanent danger zone not fit for long-term
residences. This Sunday, Taal reminded people why it was dangerous.
As ABS-CBN News has it, Taal Volcano underwent a strong eruption late
this past Sunday, January 12, as recorded by the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The national volcano and earthquake
bureau had recorded an intensifying of volcanic activity on Taal at about 5:30
in the afternoon yesterday, with local residents being treated to a towering
white column of steam and ash that dominated the skies in Batangas. Measurements
by PHIVOLCS reckon that the tephra column stood 15 kilometers into the air,
generating volcanic lightning and causing wet ash to fall down as far away as
Quezon City.
By Sunday night PHIVOLCS has
raised the Taal Volcano eruption to an Alert Level 4. This indicates the high
possibility of an explosive eruption anywhere from hours to days within this
week. Such an event would be considered very hazardous, especially to those
living on the volcano island that are now being advised to evacuate
immediately, along with anyone else within a 14-kilometer radius from the Taal island
caldera. This is necessary due to the likelihood that the impending large
eruption would trigger Taal Lake to cause a volcanic tsunami.
With the impending ash-fall from Taal’s
latest eruption phase, classes have been suspended this Monday, January 13,
throughout Batangas, nearby Cavite, and even in parts of Metro Manila. And on
that note, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has also been forced to put
all inbound and outbound flights on hold. In the meantime, the dangers of possible
health problems that could be triggered and aggravated by the falling ash from
Taal Volcano has also been brought to light by a warning from the Department of
Health. They are advising people to stay indoors, or put on masks and goggles if
they have to go outside.
All volcanoes in the Philippines
are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the primary cause of eruptions
and seismological disturbances in the entire region and the countries that fall
under its zone. Taal is the second most active volcano in the Philippines after
Mayon volcano in Bicol.
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