After 42 years of being dormant, Taal Volcano has erupted again. Last January 12, while people were out for the weekend, we experienced the rapid escalation of Taal’s volcanic activity, leading PHIVOLCS to raise what it had then as Alert Level 2 (Increasing Unrest) to Alert Level 4 (Hazardous Eruption Imminent). The volcano’s ash and rock column shot up between 10 to 15 km into the sky that afternoon and, by nightfall, volcanic ash had spread over parts of CALABARZON and Metro Manila.
This series of events prompted many Filipinos to ask what an Alert Level 5 looks like. PHIVOLCS released hazard maps such as the ones below to paint a picture of the worst-case scenario, should Taal erupt.
The base surge hazard map below is based on a reconstruction of the worst-case, 1754 eruption, coming from any of the active vents of the volcano. According to PHIVOLCS, a base surge is a “mixture of fragmented volcanic particles, hot gases, and ash that rush down the volcanic slopes or rapidly outward from a source vent at high speeds (approx. 80kph)”. Total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and areas within a 14km radius from the main crater was strongly advised because they are susceptible to base surges.
Another hazard associated with volcanoes is ashfall — volcanic ash made up of powder to sand-size particles that was blown into the air by an erupting volcano. Based on the last PHIVOLCS updates, this is the most likely threat to people and businesses outside the 14km mandatory evacuation zone and possibly up to Tarlac, depending on the height of the eruption column and wind direction at the time. Exposure to ash fall may cause a number of health problems ranging from respiratory concerns to eye irritation. In the event of ashfall, keep in mind the following:
Listen to the radio for updates and developments regarding the volcanic eruption.
- Minimize exposure to ash. Keep doors and windows closed and stay indoors as much as possible.
- Wear a dust mask, preferably an N95. Make sure you have one in your bag when you travel.
- Wear goggles or eyeglasses to protect your eyes from irritation.
- Cover water and food containers to avoid contamination with ash. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking.
- Keep your pets in the shelter or inside your homes.
- If you are driving, observe traffic notifications and road safety measures.
- If you are at work, familiarize yourself with your workplace’s emergency response plan or ERP. Take note of your designated location for shelter in place and your evacuation protocol. In the event of heavy ash fall, you will most likely be asked to find shelter before moving out.
- As soon as the ashfall stops, scrape off the ash that accumulated on your roof tops to prevent collapse.
- Should you be in areas that could be heavily affected, have a conversation with your team leaders regarding your situation.
There is no way for scientists to predict when a volcano will erupt or if any of these hazards will happen. As of this writing, PHIVOLCS has already lowered Taal’s status to Alert Level 3 (decreased tendency towards hazardous eruption) but with a fervent reminder to the public that this change does not mean the threat is gone. Ashfall and volcanic earthquakes are still possible under Alert Level 3.
It is best to be prepared and keep ourselves updated with what is happening. Visit the PHIVOLCS and NDRRMC websites for information on the latest developments. Also, take this time to check your go bags and start disaster preparedness planning with your families. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility!
