The Philippines is on high alert following the eruption of Taal Volcano.
At press time, the alert has been raised to Level 4, which means hazardous eruption is imminent.
Taal Volcano erupted on Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2020.
It had a phreatic eruption, which is defined by USGS Volcano Hazards Program as "stream-driven explosions that occur when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or new volcanic deposits..."
Here are some of the key terms we need to know and the safety measures we need to follow:
VOLCANO ALERT LEVELS
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has six alert levels for volcanic activities in the country—with Alert Level 0 as the lowest and Alert Level 5 as the highest.
However, the agency has very specific alert level system for the six active volcanoes in the country: Bulusan, Hibok Hibok, Kanlaon, Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo.
Alert Level 0 means "no eruption foreseeable future" or it is "quiet."
Alert Level 1 suggests there is "low level seismicity" happening. It means there is "magmatic, tectonic or hydrothermal disturbance," but "no eruption imminent."
The Taal eruption began at this alert level.
By 2:30 p.m., PHIVOLCS released its first bulletin and raised the alert to Level 2, which means "low to moderate level of seismicity, persistence of local but unfelt earthquakes."
What happens here is a "probable magmatic intrusion" that may lead to an eruption, or maybe not because the level of seismicity can decline and revert to level 1.
Taal Volcano at Level 2 was spewing ash clouds of one kilometer-high, a definite magmatic activity.
Precautionary evacuation for settlers on the island began in full swing.
By 4:00 p.m., PHIVOLCS raised the alert to Level 3, which means "relatively high unrest manifested by seismic swarms including increasing occurrence of low frequency earthquakes and/or harmonic tremor (some events felt)."
At Level 3, ashfall from the southwest sector of Taal precipitated the entire volcano island to be declared a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
By 7:00 p.m., the alert status was raised to Level 4 as hazardous eruption became imminent.
According to the advisory released at the time, ashfall had already reached Metro Manila.
Flights in and out at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport were cancelled, and classes in many cities had been suspended.
Alert Level 5 means eruption is in progress.
VOLCANIC ASH
What is volcanic ash and why is it dangerous for the health?
As defined by National Geographic, volcanic ash is "a mixture of rock, mineral, and glass particles expelled from a volcano during a volcanic eruption."
Following the eruption of Taal, several areas reaching as far as Nueva Ecija and eastern parts of Pangasinan have experienced ashfall.
According to a public guide prepared by the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), Cities and Volcanoes Commission, GNS Science and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the potential health effects of volcanic ash can be "divided into several categories: respiratory effects, eye symptoms, skin irritation and indirect effects."
Indirect effects refer to zero visibility on the road due to ash fall, contamination of water, and power cuts.
World Health Organization Philippines adds trauma and injuries as potential hazard, especially for those who live near Taal.
How can citizens protect themselves from the health effects of ashfall?
Department of Health says in a quick infographic:
- Minimize exposure to ash.
- Stay indoors.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Use dust masks.
- Protect eyes by wearing googles or eyeglasses.
- Keep pets indoors.
PHIVOLCS adds that people should stay updated about the situation via radio and prepare a basic emergency supply kit, which includes food, bottled water, blankets, spare clothes, toiletries, pen and paper, plastic (to protect electronics from the ash), knife, and cash.
It is also important to clean up the house once ashfall has subsided. Begin the clean up with the roof to prevent the accumulated ash from collapsing in.
Collect the ash and dispose it far from a water drainage to avoid clogging.
PHIVOLCS is the service institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).