The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) observed volcanic smog, or "vog," emanating from the crater of Taal Volcano on Sunday.
In an interview during DZRH's "For Tonight Only" program, PHIVOLCS Director Teresita Bacolcol reported that the vog was observed Sunday afternoon in several areas, including Laurel, Tuy, Calaca, Tingloy, San Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lemery, Talisay, Balete, Sta. Teresita, Malvar, Alitagtag, and Batangas City.
"Ito ay sa dahilang mabagal ang hangin natin kanina at malakas yung spinning," Bacolol explained.
(This is due to the slow winds and strong atmospheric spinning.)
However, no vog was observed around noon.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, and there is currently no indication that this alert level will be raised.
"Malinis na po walang nai-report sa amin. Hanggang alas-4 meron, ang na-observe lamang po nila ay medyo hazy at masangsang na amoy," Bacolcol noted.
(By 4 p.m., no further vog was reported. The only observations were a slight haze and a strong sulfuric odor.)
PHIVOLCS said the vog comes from sulfur dioxide released by Taal Volcano.
Bacolcol said that since 2020, vog has frequently occurred at the volcano.
