The volcanic smog or "vog" from the Philippines' Taal Volcano causes alarm among Filipinos, especially those in areas that are already affected.
Numerous citizens shared videos and photos of how the vog covered the places they reside in.
Philippines: Netizens Share Photos, Videos of Taal's 'Vog'
An aerial view shows the Taal volcano in Batangas province on January 20, 2020. - Decimated fish, scarred coffee plants and vanished tourists: the Taal volcano eruption in the Philippines has inflicted significant damage on the livelihoods of tens of thousands and is expected to cause more.
On Facebook, many Filipinos shared videos and photos to show how Taal Volcano's vog affects their areas. Here are some of their posts:
Christin Lopez shared photos and images of vog affecting Tuy, Batangas. She said that some students were even sent to the hospital after inhaling the volcanic smog.
ONE News posted photos of Batangas, Laguna, and Tagaytay, which are enveloped by the vog. In the images, you can see many buildings and other establishments are no longer visible.
Melissa Renie, from Lian, Batangas, posted a mini vlog showing the vog while going to work. She explained what it was and provided some safety tips.
Ela Centeno Dumanon's FB post shows Las Pinas enveloped by thick smog. She said that the vog is hurtful to the eyes.
Shayne Tagum Uribe posted a video while driving on the highway. In the footage, you can see that the vog already covered the area, making it look like it's already night time. She didn't provide her exact location in her post.
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Safety Tips During Taal's Vog
Residents living along Taal lake catch fish as Taal volcano erupts in Tanauan town, Batangas province south of Manila on January 14, 2020. - Taal volcano in the Philippines could spew lava and ash for weeks, authorities warned on January 14, leaving thousands in limbo after fleeing their homes fearing a massive eruption.
Rappler reported that the Taal Volcano started emitting sulfur dioxide from its main crater on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Experts in the Philippines said that the sulfur dioxide emissions are estimated to be over 4,560 tons per day.
"Vog has been affecting the Taal region [in Batangas] since the first week of September 2023 as an average of 3,402 tons per day," said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS).
The agency added that their satellite monitors detected a large cloud of SO2, which is a major gas component of magma, stretching across the west of Taal Lake on Sept. 21.
PHILVOCS provided safety tips that Filipinos, especially those with heart disease, lung disease, and asthma, can follow to keep themselves safe during Taal Volcano's vog:
- As much as possible, try staying inside your house; close all your windows and doors to keep the smog out.
- If you really need to go outside, always wear a facemask, especially an N95.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.
These are just some of the things you can do to keep your family and yourself safe while waiting for the volcanic smog to subside. You can click here to learn more.
Related Article: Philippines: Volcanic Smog from Taal Affects Manila, Nearby Provinces
