Several schools in Batangas province suspended classes on Wednesday, June 7 due to the high volume of volcanic smog or vog coming from the Taal Volcano.
In an advisory, Talisay Batangas Mayor Nestor Natanauan suspended the classes at all levels in both private and public schools.
“Patuloy ang kanselasyon ng mga klase sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan dahil sa mataas na So2 emission sa bulkan na nagdudulot ng vog,” he said.
The Municipality of Laurel, Batangas also announced the suspension at all levels in public and private schools on Wednesday, starting at 10 AM, to ensure the health and safety of students and teachers.
“Patuloy na pinapaalalahanan ang lahat na mag-ingat, magsuot ng facemask, uminom ng maraming tubig at manatiling nakaantabay sa page na ito para sa mga karagdagang patalastas,” it added.
The Municipality of Agoncillo also canceled in-person classes in all levels public and private in the barangays of Banyaga, Bilibinwang, and Barigon until June 9.
In its 8 AM bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that there has been a volcanic tremor in Taal since 6:35 am on Friday, June 2.
Taal Volcano also released a total of 7,680 tonnes of Sulfur Dioxide Flux per day which resulted in the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake and increased volume of volcanic smog or vog.
"As a reminder, vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure," it said.
The state seismologist warned that hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas are likely to occur.
Hence, entry into the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Taal Volcano Island, particularly the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, as well as occupancy and boating on Taal Lake are all prohibited.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 as it is still in abnormal condition.
On Tuesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) imposed a ban on airplanes flying within 10,000 feet of the Taal due to its ongoing unrest.
