“THE THREAT OF VOG IS ALWAYS THERE” – PHIVOLCS

Taal volcano released a volcanic smog or vog Tuesday afternoon. According to the PHIVOLCS report, 8,637 tons of sulfur dioxide have been released since Monday and the volcano remains at alert level 1.
According to Director Teresito Bacolcol of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), it affected areas in the province of Batangas. Sulfur dioxide was smelled and vog was observed at the western side in the towns of Calaca, Agoncillo, Sta. Teresita, Laurel, Balete, Lemery, Mabini, San Nicolas, Mataas na Kahoy, and Talisay.

Vog emission of Taal Volcano in Batangas (Photo courtesy of Michael Varcas/Philippine Star)
No one was reported to have been hospitalized or had difficulty breathing due to inhaling large amounts of sulfur dioxide. The vog was briefly experienced in the said areas because the sulfur dioxide is easily dissipated now that the wind is fast and strong.
“As long as Taal volcano is spewing sulfur dioxide, it will happen now and then. The threat of vog is always there,” Dr. Bacolcol said.
Before the 2020 eruption, there was no sulfur dioxide in the taal volcano, just when it erupted there was a lot of sulfur dioxide emission. Gases including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emitted by an active volcano.
Director Bacolcol stated that it’s hard say how long events like this will last because if compared to Japan’s Miyake-jima volcano it took 5 years before the sulfur dioxide subsided.
The Taal volcano is still at alert level 1, and the public is advised to wear a face mask and if they inhale a sulfur dioxide drink plenty of water, and if it’s not necessary to go outside it’s better to stay indoors.
It is forbidden to go fishing and staying on the volcanic island because it’s a permanent danger zone.
Source: GMA News
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