By Gabriela Baron
Classes have been suspended on Friday, Sept. 22, in Batangas and some parts of Metro Manila due to Taal volcanic smog.
In-person classes were suspended in the municipalities of Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Mataasnakahoy, Nasugbu, San Luis, Sta. Teresita, Taal, Tanaun, and Tuy.
Some parts of Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Manila also suspended classes.
#WalangPasok: Nagkansela na ng klase sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan ang ilang lungsod ngayong Biyernes, Sept. 22, dahil sa volcanic smog/vog mula sa Bulkang Taal. pic.twitter.com/Tyl9YGbvx7
— PTVph (@PTVph) September 21, 2023
Based on the latest advisory of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Taal Volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission reached 4,569 tonnes on Sept. 21.
Voluminous emission of plumes were also seen, reaching up to 2,400 meters, drifting in the west-southwest and southwest directions.
Five volcanic tremors that are 20 to 575 minutes long were also recorded.
Entry into the Taal Volcano Island, especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, as well as occupancy and boating on Taal Lake is not allowed.
Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also prohibited.
–ag