Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 7) — Several towns near Taal Volcano announced on Wednesday the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools due to thick volcanic smog from Taal Volcano.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said active degassing of Taal’s main crater has been observed in the past 24 hours and reminded people to limit their outdoor activities and protect themselves by wearing masks.
As of Wednesday morning, classes in the following areas have been suspended:
Laurel, Batangas
Talisay, Batangas
Brgy. Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas – until June 9
Brgy. Bilibinwang, Agoncillo, Batangas – until June 9
Brgy. Barigon, Agoncillo, Batangas – until June 9
According to the 11 a.m. advisory of Phivolcs, the degassing has resulted in volcanic smog or vog, which has formed over the crater and surrounding areas since Tuesday,
“Vog can be expected to persist over the Taal region while degassing activity, wind movement and humid atmospheric conditions prevail,” said the agency.
Phivolcs added that those with asthma, lung disease, heart disease as well as the elderly, children, and pregnant women may be vulnerable to the vog.
Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1.
