Taal Volcano Update February 16, 2021: Forced evacuations near volcano island ordered

 

The Philippine Coast Guard personnel evacuated residents of "Pulo" or Taal Volcano Island after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned of a possible phreatic explosion following an increase in the number of recorded earthquakes on the island.

The local government of Talisay, Batangas ordered the evacuation of the islanders, mostly fish farmers, in preparation for the volcanic eruption.  About 60 residents were evacuated by Coast Guard and police. Authorities explained to them why they needed to evacuate.  Pets such as dogs will also be included in the evacuation.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Agoncillo, Batangas, it is forbidden to approach and stay on volcano island due to the imminent danger there.

“Pwersahan pong pinalilikas ang mga taong nasa pulo at mahigpit pa rin pong ipinagbabawal sa ating mga kababayan ang paglapit at manatili sa mismong isla dahil sa nakaambang panganib,” Agoncillo MDRRMO said in a Facebook post.

("People on the island are forcibly evacuated and our countrymen are still strictly forbidden to approach and stay on the island due to the imminent danger,") Agoncillo MDRRMO said in a Facebook post.

To ensure that no one could return to the island, the Coast Guard added rubber patrol boats.

The public is also advised to be alert following Taal Volcano activities.

“Pinapayuhan pa rin po ang publiko na ibayong pag-iingat at maging alerto, handa sa lahat ng oras. Ipagdasal po natin na sana ay huwag ng lumala pa ang sitwasyon at kalagayan ng ating mahal na Bulkang Taal,” it added.

 (“The public is still advised to take extra precautions and be alert, ready at all times. Let us pray that the situation and condition of our dear Taal Volcano does not worsen,”) it added.

According to Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, many earthquakes have been recorded on the island due to hydrothermal activity or boiling water in the volcano itself.  It is said to be proof of the heating of the water in the main crater lake and its acidity.

"That indicates that Taal Volcano has higher activity than in previous weeks so be careful," said Solidum.

No less than 98 tremor activities have been recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours.

The recorded volcanic earthquakes lasted for 5 to 12 minutes.