The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday clarified that the presence of smog in Metro Manila was due to natural phenomena and not the volcanic smog coming from Taal Volcano.
Citing information from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), NDRRMC said the vog occurred due to “temperature inversion” and that the "wind direction is going away from Metro Manila."
“It may also be inferred that the phenomenon experienced in Metro Manila was just an occurrence of “smog”,” it said.
Based on DENR’s air quality index monitoring as of 10 AM, the air quality in Makati is "acutely unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" in Pateros.
Meanwhile, the air in Parañaque is "very unhealthy for sensitive groups."
The NDRRMC said the vog felt in Batangas and in nearby areas was due to the volcanic plumes emitted by the Taal Volcano.
The agency reminded the public living near the vicinity of Taal Volcano to stay at home with closed windows; wear N95 face masks or gas masks, and drink plenty of water.
The NDRRMC advised the public to seek medical help once experiencing strong adverse effects.
