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Kalidad ng hangin sa MM, bumubud na - DENR Ni ANGIE DELA CRUZ Gumaganda na ang kalidad ng hangin sa Metro Ayon sa DENR, mas maganda ang resulta ng kalidad Manila makaraang maapektuhan ng matinding ashf all ng hangin sa nabanggit na lokalidad kung ikukumpara mula sa pagsabog ng Bulkang Taal sa Batangas. noong Lunes ng gab. Ayon sa Department of Environment and Natural Re- lnihalimbawa rito ng DENR na noong Lunes ng gabi, sources (DENR) batay sa latest data, ang level of Particulate ang Malabon City ay nagtala ng PM 10 record na 53 Matter 10 (PM 10) o kilala sa tawag na alikabok ay pawang ng Malabon City. good ang resulta sa mga lokalidad sa Kalakhang Maynila. Batay sa air quality index na gamit ng DENR ang Sa air quality monitoring ng DENR sa ibang lugar sa pagkakaroon ng "good" record ng kalidad ng hangin ay Metro Manila, lumabas sa data na sa San Juan ay 46: nangangahulugan na ang polusyon sa hangin ay may good, Makati City 35:good, Mandaluyong City-34: good, maliit hanggang sa walang ganoong epelcto, ang "mode- Pateros-22: good, Malabon City 22:good, Las Pinas rate o fair" rating naman ay may katamtamang health risk 14:good, Paranaque City - 6:gOod at Pasig City-6: good. para sa maliit na grupo ng mga tao na dati ng sensitive Lumabas naman ang level of Particulate Matter 10 sa hangin na may polusyon. (PM 10) sa Taguig City ay nananatiling 89 na kinokonse- Samantalang ang air quality na umabot sa 301 hang- derang "moderate o fair." gang 500 ay isinasalarawang "hazardous" at ang mga tao ay pinapayuhang manatili na lamang sa kanilang tahanan. Noong nagdaang araw ng linggo nang pumutok ang Taal Volcano, umabot an ashfall sa MMLA data ng hangin na nagdulot ng pagsuspinde ng klase at trabaho sa mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan. _ . . !illut ;7- rilli-Illifimr81,X,f-1 r1 1411Vitfirt .• CMCIrcil CHILI - Hopi !.>., 1 1 1 71 r2fir 111\11111 R 1111111111A1 tASTOOFI I I %WRY 51(8fir ccylc I MANILAVAIIILLETIti THE NATION'S LEA WM: UEWSI'APEIL 01 -16:-20 Explosive Taal eruption imminent Mandatory evacuation in 12 towns, 2 cities in Batangas ordered
By ALEXANDRIA SAN JUAN and HANAH TABIOS (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum Jr. said on Wednesday. n explosive eruption of Taal Volcano Solidum warned the public not to be is imminent as magma continues to confused by the weaker activity seen in the rise beneath, Philippine Institute surface crater of Taal Volcano, noting Af or Volcanology and Seismology that frequent tremors and fissures r 0
Base surges, in, simple terms, is Bilibinwang in Agoncillo; Poblacion like a landslide composed of solid de- Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion bris from the volcano and moves radi- 5, in Talisay; and Poblacion in San 14 ally outward at high speed originating Nicolas. Explosive Taal eruption... from the base of a vertical eruption A fissure was also documented column. Its simple Filipino definition on the road connecting the towns of near Taal signify continuous magma would be "mga rumaragasang mainit Agoncillo and Laurel. movement underneath. Mandatory evacuation na bato na nanggagaling sa paanan Phivolcs' Volcano Monitoring and "Ihihiwalay natin 'yung naldkita With Taal's imminent explosive ng Eruption Prediction Division chief natin sa ibabaw ng Taal, sa nangyayan eruption, the local government units Several barangays in at least 12 Marlton Bornas said fissures are sa ilalim (Let us separate what we are (LGUs) of 12 towns and two cities of cities and municipalities in Calabarzon caused by magma pushing its way seeing on Taal's surface from what Batangas were advised to immediately also experienced power outage due to out of Taal Volcano, and often appear is happening underneath)," Solidum conduct mandatory evacuation as the Taal's eruption. The affected baran- before an explosive eruption and then said on Wednesday. areas are now susceptible to ballistic gays are located in Lipa, Tanauan, subside after it is over. "Hindi nanahimik ang bulkan. projectiles, base surges, and volcanic Laurel, Talisay, and Lemery in Ba- Bomas referred to the 1911 eruption Patuloy 'yung activity nito sa Raft. tsunami. tangas; Amadeo, Tagaytay, Alfonso, of Taal when fissures were also found Yung nangyayari sa ibabaw ay con- The Department of the Interior and Indang, and Mendez in Cavite; and on the same areas where the new sequence pa inung nangyan noong total Government Unit (DILG)-Ba- Calamba and Cabuyao in Laguna. cracks were recently spotted, before Linggo, pero ngayon ay mayroon pa tangas issued the advisory Wednesday the volcano's major eruption. ring dagdag na intrusion (The vol- based on Phivolcs assessment. 466 quakes plotted She said after the Igu eruption, cano is not silent. Activity continues Covered by the mandatory evacu- In a press conference on Wednes- ground subsidence occurred in places beneath it. What is happening now on ation are: day, Solidum said more volcanic where fissures were observed, which the surface is a consequence of what Talisay quakes were plotted near Taal since caused many houses and buildings happened on Sunday, but now there Sta. Teresita its phreatic or steam-driven eruption to collapse due to the lowering of the is the addition of magma intrusion)," Taal last Sunday. land surface. Solidum said. San Nicolas Based on the monitoring of Phiv- "Noong 1911 kasi, mabilis ang In its latest bulletin, the state Mataas na Kahoy olcs Seismic Networking, there were pangyayari. Nagkaroon ng fissuring, seismology bureau said Taal Volcano Malvar iso tremors recorded from 5 a.m. on then eruption, then subsidence. Iba displayed a "continuous but generally Lemery Tuesday to 5 a.m., Wednesday, 28 of kasi ang phasing ngayon (In ion, weaker eruption of the main crater Laurel which were felt with intensities rang- things happened so fast. There was due to magmatic and hydrovolcamc ing from Intensity I to III. This brings fissuring, then eruption, then subsid- processes." Cuenca the total number of tremblors recorded ence. The phasing of Taal's activity is Since Tuesday night, Taal contin- Balete to 466 after the eruption on Sunday. different now)," Bomas said. ued to spew dark gray steam-laden Agoncillo plumes or ash clouds reaching up to Alitagtag More fissures observed Explosive eruption 1,000 meters high that blanketed areas city of Tanauan More fissures or cracks on the These stronger and frequent on the southwest of the main crater. Lipa City ground were also observed in several quakes, and the increasing number of Despite the slower volcanic activ- Residents in these localities were barangays in different towns of Ba- fissures, Solidum said, means there ity of Taal, Solidum strongly reiter- instructed to coordinate with then tangas due to the series of quakes felt is a continuous magmatic intrusion ated total evacuation of the volcano LGUs and local disaster risk reduction in the area. beneath the Taal edifice. The con- island and high-risk areas identified and management (DRRM) officers for These were found in the baran- tinuous movement of magma beneath on the hazard maps within the 14- further instructions. These include: gays of Sinisian, Mahabang Dahilig, Taal may lead to further explosive kilometer radius from the volcano's Experts defined ballistic projectiles Dayapan, Palanas, Sangalang, Po- eruption. main crater. as volcanic materials directly ejected blacion, and Mataas na Sayan in the Despite these signs, Solidum said from the volcano's vent. These. are municipality of Lemery; Pansipit, and the eruption of Taal is still unpre- highly destructive materials that can dictable just like with any other ac- endanger life and property due to force tive volcano, even if it is one of the of impact. most instrumented volcanos in the country. Phivolcs said again that volcanic threats still persist and that residents should not let their guard down and avoid going back to their house, es- pecially if they are living 'within the danger zone.
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Civil aviation authorities were also advised to warn the aviation indus- try to avoid the airspace around the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft. Apart from prolonged ash fall, residents were also warned of other deadly volcanic hazards that Taal could produce during its eruption such
as volcanic tsunamis, base surges, and is a blockage that hinders the flow of mudflow. water from the supply. Taal Volcano's sudden eruption on So where did the water go? Sunday surprised thousands of un- One explanation is that the water aware residents and tourists visiting was stuck in the lower area since its the picturesque lake. natural flow was disturbed by sudden Phivolcs said Taal has not erupted swelling of the ground. since 1977, but there was volcanic un- Another logical explanation, ac- rest recorded in 2011, 2012, and 2014. cording to Sevilla, is that water that Taal is the second most active vol- was supposed to flow along the cano in the country in terms of number Pansipit River was absorbed by the of eruptions with at least 34 eruptions fissures that were monitored in the recorded since 1572. past days. Although tagged the world's small- Lobo Peping, the oldest fisher in the est volcano, Taal is also one of the area, said they caught some to tubs deadliest following its violent erup- of various live fish, including tilapia tions in 1754, 1911, and 1965 that left and milkfish, a day before the river thousands of casualties in the wake of dried up. various volcanic hazards. 4' ‘\, '- Dead fish surface River dries up In Barangay Buse -Buso in Laurel Meanwhile, fear gripped Taal resi- town, a fisherman said Wednesday dents after a portion of the Pansipit that they. had been recovering tubs of River that runs in the town suddenly dead milkfish since Tuesday on the dried up early Wednesday morning, coast of Taal Lake. triggering speculations that the Taal They believed the temperature of Volcano is gathering strength for a the water which rose due to the erup- more destructive eruption. tion of the volcano killed the fish. "Kannaang umaga lang 'yan. Ka - Residents of the island-village at hapon rnataas pa ang tubig, lagpas tao the foot of Taal said they found their (It happened just this morning. Water animals already dead and hardened level Tuesday was still high)" Lobo by thick mud, which was caused by Peping, 74, told the Manila Bulletin. volcano ash and rainfall. So why did a portion of the river, A group of men in Barangay Sala which hosts a regular fluvial parade, in Balete was trying to rescue more suddenly dry up? animals in Barangay Banga, Talisay, Dr. Winchell Sevilla, of the Phiv- but they were prohibited by the Coast olts Volcano Monitbring Department Guard. explained that what happened at the "Siguro may isang daan pa ang Pansipit River is indeed Taal Volcano mga kabayo doon... Wala na silang eruption-related. makain," John Paul Silva, 18, a resi- He said that since they have been dent who volunteered rescuing ani- monitoring magma activity inside mals, told the Manila Bulletin. the volcano, the tendency is for the Motorists, including mediamen, ground to swell because of the magma from Tanauan going to Agoncillo accumulation. could no longer push through as the The areas where the ground swell- Barangay Buso-Buso in Laurel, a ing are monitored are in Lemety, Taal town near Taal Volcano, was already and other areas which are close to the placed on lockdown. Only personnel of Taal Volcano. the Department of Public Works and "And since the natural flow of Highways clearing the roads and sev- water in the river is that it goes to the eral police were seen along Tanauan- lower areas, a portion of the Pansipit Talisay Road. River dried up possibly because of the Residents trying to return home ' swelling or bulging of the ground in to get their belongings after they the area," Sevilla told the Manila Bul- were evacuated also failed to pass letin in an interview. through. As such, the natural flaw of water "Sabi naman maglalakad na lang at the Pansipit River at the portion of po kami pa Agoncillo, pent di kami Barangay Tatthng Maria in Taal was pinayagan (We were told that we can disturbed and is no longer accessible proceed to Agoncillo by foot, but even- to water because the area suddenly tually we were not allowed)," Anna 1 went up. Marie Vergara, zo, said. (With reports Another explanation, which is un- from Aaron B. Recuenco, Matting A. likely according to Sevilla, is that there Sadongdong, and Joseph Pedrajas) STRATEGIC PHILIPPINE DAILY I I EZ BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON BALANCED NEWS • FEARLESS VIEWS PEER COMMUNICATION 10 PAGE I STORY INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER wwwwwIS ...molmir SERVICE INQUIRER 4:11 -16- 2" DATE True PAGE I/
TAAL CRATER LAKE, RIVER DRY UP: SIGN OF COMING BIG BANG
PRICE FREEZE IMPOSED ON 218 MEDS, SUPPLIES 1 App: 132K EVACUATED; BATANGAS REPORTS S DEATHS . A
GREEN TO GRAY Ash belched out by Taal Volcano blankets a pineapple plantation in Tagaytay City. Farm caretakers say they will spray the fruits with water, hoping these will recover from the ashfa II and be ready for harvest in March. This small and sweet pineapple variety, called Formosa. Is a popular pasalubong" (gift) from Tagaytay and goes at three for 1"100 at stalls along the Santa Rosa -Tagaytay Road. -111110 JEWS MOTO
Taal crater lake, river dry ups Sign of coming big bang
Sy Patricia Dahlia M. Chic do with the main crater lake Laken refuge in shelters since the les were "susceptible to ballistic @PDMChittINQ and the river going dry, Scr- volcano came to life on Sunday. projectile, base surge and vol- um said. Police subsequently set up canic tsunami as a result of the The main crater lake of restive 'It's possible that the no-go zones and mandatory eruption of Taal Volcano.' Taal Volcano has dried up, in- fissures from Lemery go evacuations in at-risk towns In Agoncillo, earlier on dicating intense heat generat- straight to Talisay, and there around the volcano. Wednesday, a convoy of trucks ed by magma—molten rock-- might be underwater fis- But days later locals were and rescue vehicles drove in pushing up from the volcano's sures (in] Taal Lake, where losing patience and demanding and volunteers were heard call- belly and nearing the surface, water from Pansipit and the access, despite Phivolcs' warn- ing on residents, offering them threatening a violent eruption. i main crater lake could have ings that the volcano could un- a ride to safety before the town Parts of the Pansipit Riv- seeped,' she said. leash a more powerful eruption was shut er, which feeds into Taal Lake. But all this. Homes said, is anytime. have also dried up, which could related to the ground deforma- Melvin Casilao said he and be the result of continuing vol- Ghost town tion caused by magma pushing his neighbors in Talisay town canic activity. the Philippine A similar convoy of vehi- up from the bowels of the vol.' needed to feed their livestock, Institute of Volcanology and cles, carrying volunteers from ONO. remove the thick ash from the Seismology (Phlvolcs) reported the Red Cross and the Nasugbu Rising magma, she add- roofs of their houses and pull municipal government, swept on Wednesday. ed, indicates that an explosive their boars from the water. Into San Nicolas ill search of Taal's main crater is a lake, eruption Is coming. Their community is on the residents who might still be and new satellite Images have Taal has calmed slightly in shore of Taal Lake. which rings there, although it had named shown that it has been com- the past 24 hours, but Phivolcs NATURE'S WARNING Farts of the Pansipit River in Taal town, Volcano Island. into a ghost town since the vol. pletely drained and that new maintains its alert level at 4 out Batangas, have begun to dry up. The country's seismological agen- 'We want to visit our hous- cano erupted on Sunday. vents have farmed inside the of s, meaning "a hazardous ex- cy believes the earthquakes that come with the eruption of Taal es and clean the roofs. They are Police set up checkpoints at crater and on the northern flank plosive emptionis possible with- Volcano may have "lifted"the entire volcano area,causing the river smothered In thick ash and they entry and exit points in Agon- of the volcano, ['Waits said. in hours to days? Level s means a and Taars main craterto run dry -CHRISQUINTANA1COMOUSUTOR could collapse? Casilao said. cilia and San Nicolas, stopping hazardous eruption Is tmderway. Soldiers have been de- Whole area lifted private motorists trying to The institute said new fis- ployed at checkpoints in some "We're looking at several et- drive into the two towns. sures had been seen in the area side the main crater. "Such intense seismic ac- areas. Including Talisay, to stop planatiOn& MASI On the stretch between evident to us is around the volcano, including 'There is a potential for an tivity probably signifies con- residents from going back 1st' that parts of Pansipit dried up due Agoncillo and San Nicolas, doz- Sambal Ibaba in Lemery. explosive eruption, based on rinhous magmatic intrusion On Wednesday. the Depart- to the continued volcanic earth- ens of concrete houses stood Barnes said that prior to Ta- our data monitoring, particu- beneath the Taal edifice, which ment of the Interior and Local with large cracks an their walls. quakes being felt, which could al's explosive eruption in IV, larly since earthquakes are con- may lead to further eruptive ac- Government ordered manda- Only dogs and cats, whose have Lifted up the whole Taal the main crater lake did not ex- tinuous and are considerable in tivity." Phivolcs said. tory evacuation of residents owners fled after Sunday's sud- area," Maria Anemia Boma the La, and the craters were smaller magnitude, indicative of mag- in the towns of Agoncillo, Al- den eruption, greeted rescuers illkitliteiS chief senior research and far from one another. ma pushing upward,' Nornas Towns kicked down [ragtag, Balete, Cuenca, Lau- in houses now covered in vol- spetrallst, told reporters. Following the eruption that said. The Institute reiterated that rel, Lemery, Lips City, Malvar, canic ash. But the fissures that have began Sunday. the Institute's Since Sunday, Phivolcs has residents of villages within Mataas na Kahoy. San Nicolas. The Inquirer saw a rescuer opened up in the ground, from scientists had observed that the recorded 520 volcanic quakes. the 14-kilometer radius danger Santa Teresita, Taal, Talisay pull over and leave biscuits for Lemery town to Talisay City, craters had become larger and of which 169 had Intensities zone should leave for safety. and Tanauan City. the animals. -WITH REPORTS PROM may also have something to that new vents had formed in- ranging from ito 5. Some 40.000 people have It said these towns and cit- SIARICARONCO AND AMINO
STRAITIGIC COMMUNICATION VP PAGE! TOWNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY INITIATIVES FAG OD• SERVICE Mirror IN - - i 17( 01-16-20 TIT r DATE More cracks, fissures on Day 4 of Taal Volcano eruption
BY JONATHAN L. MAYUGA approximately 1,000 meters high, Monlmayuga dispersing ash to the southwest of the main crater. ON TINUOUS but weaker Moreover, Phivolcs' volcanol- eruptions of the main ogy experts detected new fissures C crater of Taal Volcano due or cracks in more areas. These are to magmatic and hydrovolcanic in Sinisian, Mahabang Dahilig, processes were recorded over the Dayapan, Palanas, Sangalang, past 24 hours, the Philippine Poblacion, Mataas na Bayan, in Institute of Volcanology and Lemery; Pansipit, Bilibinwang in Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Agoncillo; Poblacion 1, Poblacion on Wednesday. 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 5, in Tali- Since Sunday, eruptions of one say; and Poblacion in San Nicolas. of the world's smallest volcanoes Phivolcs reported that a fissure sent thousands of residents flee- cut across the road connecting Ag- ing theirhomes for safety. Volcano oncillo to Laurel towns. experts have been anticipating Meanwhile, volcanologists re- a hazardous magmatic eruption corded a total of 466 volcanic earth- reminiscent of the volcano's 1754 quakes on Sunday, January12, 2020, eruption that altered the natural 156 of which were felt with intensi- landscape in that part of the Cala - ties ranging from Intensity 1 to 5. barzon region. The past 24 hours, from 5 a.m. The 1754 eruption, according on January 14, 2020, until Sam. on to history, devastated many towns Wednesday, there were 159 volca- around the volcano and created nic earthquakes, 28 of which were the unique caldera that is now felt with intensities ranging from known as the Taal Lake, which Intensity 1 to 3. became home to the tawilis, the "Such intense seismic activ- only freshwater sardine and the ity probably signifies continuous freshwater maliputo, also called magmatic intrusion beneath the talakitok, which can be found only Taal edifice, which may lead to in Taal Lake, now a popular tour- further eruptive activity," the Phi- ist spot in Luzon. volcs Volcano Bulletin read. It was said that volcanic debris Meanwhile, Phivolcs reported and pyroclastic material from the that an average of 1,686 tonnes volcano completelyblocked the Pan- of sulfur-dioxide emission was sipit River, and cut off the lake from spewed by the volcano on Janu- the Balayan Bay, which explains why ary 14, 2020. the lake's waters became freshwater As such, Phivolcs maintains that after some time. Alert Level 4 remains in effect over Part of its violent past, the 1754 Taal Volcano. eruption of Taal Volcano lasted for Alert Level 4 means that hazard- seven months, accorclingto Phivolcs, ous explosive eruption is possible submerging lakeside towns near it. within hours to days, reiterating On Tuesday, the Provincial Gov- the need for total evacuation from ernment of Batangas declared the the Taal Volcano island and high- province under a state of calamity risk areas as identified in the haz- as volcanic ashes covered many ard maps within the 14-kilometer towns in the province, forcing radius from the Taal main crater. thousands of residents to flee their Phivolcs also recommended that homes and take shelter in govern- people stay away from the Pansipit ment evacuation centers in various River Valley where fissuring has parts of the province. been observed. In its Volcano Bulletin released According to Phivolcs, residents 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January should prepare for the effects of 15, 2020, Phivolcs reported that heavy and prolonged ashfall. the eruption generated dark gray At the same time, civil avia- steam-laden fumes that reached tion authorities were advised to
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RESIDENTS of Sarangay Sinisian East in Lemery, Batangas, express their concern after a series of volcanic quakes left wide cracks and fissures on the ground. Their concrete houses were also not spared. BERNA110 TESTA strictly inform pilots to avoid the lometer Permanent Danger Zone assistant secretary of the Depart- For now, he said, field personnel airspace around Taal Volcano as from the main crater of the volcano ment of Environment and Natural of the DENR are out to rescue af- airborne ash and ballistic frag- is "a no man's land." Resources (DENR) and concur- fected wildlife that were observed ments from the eruption column He said lava fountains and spew- rent director of the Biodiversity to flee from the Taal Volcano island pose hazards to aircrafts. ing of ashes are expected in the next Management Bureau (EMS) said since Sunday. The DENR appealed Lincoln Olayva, science research few hours or maybe days. they expect total destruction of to the public not to harm distressed specialist at Phivolcs' Volcanology "We are still monitoring and ecosystems in Taal and surround- wildlife and urged them to turn- Division earlier said the fissures, as soon as it is safe, we will start ing areas. over rescued wildlife, including or cracks being discovered, indicate conducting an assessment to de- A forester and a former director birds and reptiles to the DENR. magmatic and hydrovolcanic activ- termine the volume of deposits of the DENR's Forest Management Rescued wildlife will be brought to ity is happening. that were spewed by the volcano," Bureau (FMB), Calderon said it will the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wild- He said Phivolcs field personnel he said. take years for forest destroyed by a life Center in Quezon City where will look into the cracks as soon as Forestry experts said the erup- volcanic eruption to recover. they will be observed, treated of it becomes safe for a site inspec- tion of Taal Volcano will adversely As soon as possible, they will im- their injuries and kept safe until tion. Because Alert Level 4 remains impact on the surrounding envi- mediately conduct an assessment of they fit to be released back in the in effect, he said, the entire 14-ki- ronment. Ricardo Calderon, an the damage. wild, Calderon said.
STRATEGIC 31alaya I I i COMMUNICATION I ER PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY efte INITIATIVES monegooloo. leasISIMIRW TOWER JERVICE Business Insi t 01- 16-.20 UDE PAGE I/ PA IF 'Weaker' activities at Taa but eruption still possible
BY VICTOR REYES noon when Taal started acting up, Phivolcs, in a bulletin issued at is possible within hours to days." 466 quakes have been recorded. 8 a.m., said Taal's activity in the Phivolcs science research spe- TAAL Volcano showed "generally "Over the past 24 hours, the past 24 hours was characterized by cialist Prineess Cosalan said danger weaker" activities yesterday but the eruption of Taal Volcano at the "continuous but generally weaker remains. "The worst-case scenario danger of a hazardous eruption main crater continued but it's eruption of the main crater due is there is a possibility of explosive remains, the Philippine Institute generally weaker compared to the to magmatic and hydrovolcanic eruption. Another possibility, is it of Volcanology and Seismology previous days," Phivolcs director processes." won't (erupt)." (Phivoks) said. Renato Solidum said in a press "This ongoing eruption gener- On which is more likely. Cosalan There were 159 volcanic earth- briefing. ated dark gray, steam-laden plumes said: "We can't say." quakes recorded from 5 am. Tues- "What we are saying is it's gen- that reached approximately 1,000 Solidum said though Tad's day to 5 a.m. yesterday, way lesi erally weaker compared to the meters high and dispersed ash to activity is now weaker, there were than the number in the previous previous days ... but it's (eruption) the southwest of the main crater," new fissures reported in Lemery, monitoring period. From 8 a.m. continuing... It's hard to say its go- it also said. Agoncillo, and San Nicolos towns. on Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday, ing away. It's just generally weaker Alert "level 4" remains in effect Solidum and Cosalan said the Phivolcs recorded 261 volcanic compared to the previous days," over Taal Volcano, which meant earthquakes. Since Sunday after- he said. "a hazardous explosive eruption See WEAKER> Page B3
FROM PAGE 81'
WEAKER lake has been drained and new vent craters looting and other forms of criminal have been formed inside the main crater activities in affected areas. fissuring is principally the result of the and on the north flank of the volcano. The Department of Education said earthquakes and intrusion of magma Phivolcs also said it recorded 53 at least 7,000 families are using 148 beneath the volcano. volcanic quakes from 5 a.m. to 4 classrooms in the Calabarzon (Region Solidum, in a briefing in Malacaliang, p.m. yesterday, signifying continuous IV-A) as evacuation centers. was asked about the possibility of a magmatic intrusion that may lead to DepEd said of the 148 schools, 132 major eruption. "further eruptive activity" are in Batangas, 14 in Cavite, and two 'We are seeing the same fissures and The Batangas Provincial Disaster in Laguna. recording large earthquake events," Risk Reduction and Management The Batangas Provincial Disaster he said. :1 Office said 18,646 families or 82,068 Risk Reduction and Management Of- He added Mat if a major eruption persons have been evacuated from the fice said two people died in relation to happens, the extent of the impact on 14-kilometer danger zone. Taal's activities. Metro Manila and nearby areas would Brig Gen. Marciliano Teofilo, com- It identified the fatalities as Anatlia be more in terms of ashfalls, and it mander of the AFP's Joint Task Group Perez Dionisio, 65, of Talisay, Batangas would depend on the how tall the erup- Taal, said less than a thousand people and Danilo Toledo, 27, of Taal, also tion column would be the and direction are still inside the danger zone. in Batangas, who both died of cardiac that the wind will blow "There are still people inside. You arrest on Monday and Tuesday. He said the public. should brace for know the typical (Filipinos)," said It said it also monitored two deaths heavy and prolonged ashfall events in Teofilo. "Maybe, there are less than a due to a vehicular accident in San Jose, case Taal's major eruption would be simi- thousand (still inside the danger zone). Batangas yesterday but did not say if Lar to that in 1754 which took about seven Some of them were already evacuated it was directly related to the eruption. months for the volcanic activities to end but sneaked back in," he said. Police named the two fatalities as Rio completely. He said the explosions did On the evacuation of livestock and John Abel, a student of the Dela Salle not happen every day as there were gaps pets, Teofilo said they are also being University in Lipa City, and Maximo Al- between the minor and major explosions. evacuated but rescuers are giving prior- cantata. The fatalities' companion, Darwin Phivolcs, in a 5 p.m. update, said ity to people. Lahara, was injured in the car crash. Re- Taal's eruption "has been characterized Teofilo said there were reports of loot- ports said Lahara died yesterday morning by continuoustmagmatic and hydrovol- ing inside the 14-kilometer danger zone Police said the victims just delivered canic activity that generated 700-meter- but could not immediately give details. relief to victims of the eruption when tall dark gray steam-laden plumes that "Our problem is the looting ... Just they figured in the accident in Barangay drifted to the general southwest." like in previous disasters, that's our Banay-banay at around 1.30 am "It said there-was drying up of por-t concern," he said adding the PNP is Police said the victims' car was tra- tions of Pansipit River where fissures conducting patrols. versing a national mad in the barangay were also observed. PNP officer-in-charge Lt Gen. Ar- when it the rear part of an Isuzu truck "Furthermore, newly acquired satellite chie Gamboa said the regional police loaded with sacks of corn. — With Joe- images would show that the main crater office has not received any report of ebn Montemayor and Raymon d &pica UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON sC OMMUGN II CC ATION STORY STORY NMATIVES PAGE LOWER SSal1010 moss ERVICE S NEWS IN A FLASH P10.00