Volcanic sulfur dioxide from Taal Volcano in Batangas has reached other parts of Batangas Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, and even Metro Manila, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
The Department of Science and Technology-Phivolcs acknowledged evidence of the extent the volcanic sulfur dioxide had reached, adding in a statement there was need for close citizen observation given the limited date the agency had.
“We would like to reassure the public that we are committed to provide the best and most current volcano monitoring data available, especially that these have important safety and health implications,” it said in its advisory.
“We hope that in putting forward the above information, the public is better guided and assured that accurate, responsive, transparent and honest information service by our institute remains our top priority.”
Netizens posted that the volcanic smog or vog from Taal Volcano had reached the NCR, but Phivolcs on Tuesday said the haze in Metro Manila came from pollution, and not from Taal Volcano.
Phivolcs, in its June 30 press release, said “the plumes extend from the planetary boundary layer or PBL, representing near-ground surface levels, to the upper troposphere at almost 20 kilometers above sea level and mostly spread over the Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales provinces, and the National Capital Region. Satellite detection on 29 June 2021 showed an even larger coverage of Luzon Island.”
The agency was flooded by inquiries about the presence of sulfur dioxide and vog in Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces based on the observations of haze.
