Due to the degassing of Taal Volcano in Batangas, the public must wear a face mask, particularly the N-95 one, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) advised on Sunday.
Phivolcs explained that face masks are mandatory for residents near Taal to minimize risks of breathing difficulties.
“We advise the people (to wear masks) because if sulfur dioxide (SO2) is not dispersed immediately, it can form vog,” Phivolcs said in its advisory, referring to the presence of volcanic smog.
Taal Volcano emitted at least 11,072 tons of SO2 last Thursday, June 6. From 12 a.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic earthquake based on its latest monitoring.
“That’s why we issued a notice of sulfur dioxide degassing from Taal Volcano because the wind is quite slow,” Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said.
An upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater was observed last Saturday. Vog or volcanic smog was also detected.
The volcano emitted voluminous plumes as tall as 2,400 meters before drifting north-northwest. Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) remained in effect over Taal Volcano, which is in Batangas.
Alert phreatic eruption with a duration of two minutes and five volcanic tremors lasting three to 608 minutes were observed.
