Volcanic smog detected over Taal Volcano, health advisory up
Taal Volcano (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists on Thursday said that Taal Volcano began emitting volcanic smog (vog), which could adversely affect one’s health effects and damage crops and infrastructure.
“Since 12:30 PM today, volcanic smog or vog has been observed over Taal Lake by the Taal Volcano Network and has lingered over the region until present,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its latest advisory.
The development led several local government units in Batangas to suspend Friday classes.
Vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as sulfur dioxide which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract, according to Phivolcs.
Phivolcs also noted that acid rain could also be generated during periods of rainfall and volcanic gas emission over areas where the plume disperses.
Acid rain can cause damage to crops and affect metal roofs of houses and buildings.
Phivolcs, however, maintained Taal Volcano under Alert Level 1.
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