22/09/2023
WEATHER UPDATE:
Today September 22, 2023, PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology) issued volcanic ash fallout in several areas of Luzon including Metro Manila following the unpredictable volcanic activity of Taal Volcano.
As of writing of this article, there are more than 40 students have been brought to various hospitals in Tuy, Batangas due to the effects of the volcanic smog caused by the activity of the Taal Volcano. Dr. Amor Calayan, head of the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the smog has been affecting towns in the province for two weeks. The affected students have complained of chest tightness or pain, dizziness, itchy throat, and itchy skin. Phivolcs has kept Taal Volcano at Alert Level 1, indicating ongoing unrest without an imminent eruption. Classes for Friday, September 22, 2023, have been suspended in some areas in Batangas province due to the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano.
Below are the class suspensions:
Batangas province
Alitagtag —all levels, public and private
Balayan —all levels, public and private
Calatagan —all levels, public and private
Lian — all levels, public and private
Lemery — all levels, public and private
Nasugbu —all levels, public and private
Mataasnakahoy —all levels, public and private
San Luis —all levels, public and private
Sta. Teresita —all levels, public and private
Taal —all levels, public and private
Tanauan —all levels, public and private
Tuy — elementary, junior and senior high school, public and private
Cavite province
Alfonso —all levels, public and private
Amadeo —all levels, public and private
Bacoor City —all levels, public and private
Cavite City —all levels, public and private
City of Carmona —all levels, public and private
Dasmariñas City —all levels, public and private
GEA (Bailen) —all levels, public and private
GMA —all levels, public and private
Gen. Trias City —all levels, public and private
Imus City —all levels, public and private
Indang —all levels, public and private
Kawit —all levels, public and private
Magallanes —all levels, public and private
Maragondon —all levels, public and private
Mendez —all levels, public and private
Naic —all levels, public and private
Noveleta —all levels, public and private
Rosario —all levels, public and private
Silang —all levels, public and private
Tagaytay City —all levels, public and private
Tanza —all levels, public and private
Ternate —all levels, public and private
Trece Martires City —all levels, public and private
Laguna
Biñan —all levels, public and private
Cabuyao —all levels, public and private
Los Baños —all levels, public and private
San Pedro —all levels, public and private
Metro Manila
Las Piñas —all levels, public and private
Muntinlupa City —all levels, public and private
Parañaque —all levels, public and private
Pasay City —all levels, public and private
San Juan City —all levels, public and private
Caloocan City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Marikina City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Mandaluyong City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Pasig City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Malabon City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Navotas City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Valenzuela City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Manila — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Quezon City — all levels, public (afternoon classes)
Taguig City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Pateros City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Makati City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)
Work suspensions
The Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) announced that work is suspended in the following courts in view of the hazardous volcanic smog from Taal Volcano:
Regional Trial Court Branch 86 Taal, Batangas
7th Municipal Circuit Trial Court Taal-San Nicolas, Batangas
3rd MCTC Alitagtag - Sta. Teresita, Batangas
Work in the city government of Manila, including its satellite offices, is also suspended starting 1:00 p.m., according to its PIO.
Phivolcs advised people with conditions like asthma, lung disease, heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children to follow the precautions:
Reduce outdoor time and keep doors and windows closed to keep vog out.
Wear an N95 facemask to cover the nose and mouth and drink water to soothe throat irritation. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
State volcanologists also warned about the potential for acid rain when gas emissions combine with rain, which can harm crops and corrode metal roofs.
ASHFALL PREPARATION GUIDE: The Things to Do
▪️Listen to regular updates from the volcanic monitoring center.
▪️Follow the advice of local authorities. They will provide information about the eruption of the volcano and what to do in case you have to evacuate from your area. Prepare a survival kit with an adequate supply of water, food, clothing, first-aid supplies, and medicine. Also, bring a battery-powered radio and flashlight.
Sources:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/882927/phivolcs-taal-volcano-smog-duration-can-t-be-predicted/story/
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/882883/taal-volcano-smog-makes-over-40-students-sick-in-tuy-batangas/story/?amp
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/22/2298190/walang-pasok-class-suspensions-september-22-due-smog-taal
Written by:
Karyll Glaze Bantoto (Grade 12 - HUMSS Novaliches)