Philippines: Taal Volcano - Jul 2021

The Taal Volcano in the province of Batangas in Luzon, is placed under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) following a phreatomagmatic eruption that generated a plume of 1 km high at 3:16 pm (UCT +8) on 1 July. This has been followed by four small eruptions of up to 200 metres high in the evening. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recommends immediate evacuation within a permanent danger zone due to hazards of eruption and volcanic tsunami. On 2 July, the Batangas Provincial Government reports 3.523 families (14.495 individuals) evacuated from the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council provides immediate relief to the evacuated residents, while ensuring that health protocols against Covid-19 virus transmission are in place. Early warning information is constantly disseminated through Municipal local government units (ECHO, 2 Jul 2021)

A total of 376 families or 1,495 persons were affected by the Taal Volcano eruption in CALABARZON. There are 330 families or 1,306 persons taking temporary shelter in 12 evacuation centers in CALABARZON. There are 46 families or 189 persons currently staying with their relatives and/or friends. DSWD-FO CALABARZON EOC coordinated with NRLMB for the delivery of 3,500 family food packs (FFPs) and 300 family tents to Batangas Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). DSWD-FO CALABARZON through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) coordinated with the Logistics Cluster for the provision of appropriate vehicle to transport 500 modular tents to the evacuation centers. (Govt. of the Philippines, 3 Jul 2021)

The LGU has established their pre-emptive evacuation plan for the areas within the seven-kilometre danger zone. More than 1,000 families with 5,000 individuals are expected to be evacuated in several areas and will require necessary assistance for transportation and essential needs. The IFRC Philippines Delegation is supporting the PRC in disseminating updates to the IFRC network in-country and coordinating with the IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Delegation (APRD) in Kuala Lumpur in accordance with the IFRC Secretariat’s Emergency Response Framework. (IFRC, 4 Jul 2021)

In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded 17 volcanic earthquakes, including one volcanic tremor event having a duration of 45 minutes, 16 low frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 08 April 2021. High levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose as much as 2,500 meters high that drifted southwest, southeast, and north-northwest was generated from the Taal Main Crater. Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) now prevails over Taal Volcano. At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption. (PHIVOLCS, 5 Jul 2021)

Over the past 24 hours, Taal volcano registered high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose up to 1,500 metres. More than 3,000 people have been evacuated in 20 evacuation centres and 5,782 people have been affected in 63 Barangays of Batangas Province (Calabarzon Region) as reported by the Department of Social Welfare and Department (DSWD-DROMIC). The alert level of the volcano stands at 3. (ECHO, 7 Jul 2021)

Taal Volcano continues to spew high levels of sulfur dioxide and steam rich plumes, including volcanic earthquakes, in the past days. While alert level 3 remains over the volcano, volcanologists warn that an eruption is imminent but may not be as explosive as the 2020 event. Local authorities have started identifying more evacuation sites to ensure adherence to health and safety protocols. Plans are also underway for the transfer of COVID-19 patients under quarantine to temporary facilities in other areas, while vaccination sites will also be moved outside of the danger zones to ensure continued services. The latest report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shows that at least 7,000 people are displaced across Batangas province of which 3,690 are in 22 evacuation centers while the rest are in home-based settings. (OCHA, 9 Jul 2021)

On 12 July, the Taal Volcano Network recorded 171 volcanic earthquakes, including 13 low frequency volcanic earthquakes, 157 volcanic tremor events having durations of 1 to 97 minutes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 7 July. High levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose 1,500 meters before drifting southwest were generated from the Taal Main Crater. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 6,134 tonnes/day (PHIVOLCS, 12 Jul 2021). As of 18 July, more than 3,500 people are taking shelter in 24 evacuation centers in CALABARZON. (Govt. of the Philippines, 18 Jul 2021)

As of 20 July, a total of 5,710 families or 19,617 persons were affected by the Taal Volcano eruption in 190 Barangays in CALABARZON. There are 1,103 families or 3,839 persons currently taking temporary shelter in 23 evacuation centers; 2,539 families or 8,888 persons are temporarily staying with their relatives and/or friends. A total of 3,642 families or 12,727 persons are displaced. Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano. (Govt. of the Philippines, 20 Jul 2021)

Taal Volcano is at Alert Level 3 (restive magmatic activities). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded 95 volcanic earthquakes on 23 July and high levels of sulfur dioxide gas emitted in the last 24 hours. Two barangays (sub-discticts) in Agoncillo and three in Laurel are located in the 7-kilometre danger zone. The Department of Social Welfare and Development reports 6,086 affected families (21,984 people). Of this total, 1,115 families or 3,844 people are taking temporary shelter in 23 evacuation centres, while 3,038 families or 10,922 people are staying with relatives and/or friends. A total of 4,153 families or 14,766 people are displaced in Calabarzon. (ECHO, 23 Jul 2021)

As of 24 July, Alert Level 2 (Decreased Unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS warns that at Alert Level 2, sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around TVI. A total of 6,165 families or 22,228 persons were affected by the Taal Volcano eruption in 148 Barangays in CALABARZON. (Govt. of the Philippines, 24 Jul 2021)