Batangas leaders told to prepare for Taal

The Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo on Monday told the provincial government of Batangas and local officials of nearby towns to start laying out plans for the possible evacuation and relocation of residents living near Taal Volcano in
Talisay town following the heightened activity of the volcano.

Robredo made the call after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) upgraded the alert level status of the volcano from 1 to 2 after at least 21 volcanic quakes were detected by the seismic network in the past 24 hours.

Phivolcs also upgraded the alert warning over Taal with the interpretation that magma has been intruding toward the surface, as manifested by carbon dioxide being released in the main crater lake.

The agency also declared Daang Kastila Trail and Mount Tabaro areas as strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.

“What is important is for the local government units to come up with a massive preparation plan to ensure the safety of the public,” Robredo said.

The department secretary said the local disaster risk reduction management council should identify possible relocation sites such as public schools and town plazas where affected residents might temporary seek shelter should an eruption happen.

Robredo further said that the council should also constantly coordinate with the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection who can help them during evacuation and relief efforts.

He also appealed to the public to cooperate with local authorities by staying away from areas that have been declared as off-limits.

By Jefferson Antiporda