Gab Ibis
 
Taal Volcano remained under Alert Level 1 as of August 19, signaling low-level unrest. Meanwhile, residents in Batangas and nearby areas are on high alert as volcanic smog (vog) continues to blanket the province, raising health and safety concerns.
 
Photo Courtesy of Inquirer/Philippine STAR.

According to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the volcano is currently releasing an average of 3,355 tons of sulfur dioxide per day as of August 15.
 
The release has resulted in the formation of vog, a harmful gas composed of fine droplets containing volcanic gasses including sulfur dioxide, which can cause eye, throat, and respiratory tract irritation.
 
"Earlier today, the winds were slow, and the steaming from Taal Volcano was voluminous, leading to the accumulation of vog in several towns," PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview.
 
Affected municipalities include Laurel, Tuy, Calaca, San Luis, Balayan, Lemery, Talisay, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Balete, Sta. Teresita, Malvar, and Batangas City.
 
The situation has also prompted several areas in Calabarzon and Metro Manila to suspend their classes on August 19.
 
The agency has also reported that despite the low-level unrest, there has been an "observed upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake," with plumes reaching heights of up to 2,400 meters.
 
Although no volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS advises the public to remain vigilant as steam-driven explosions, minor ashfall, and lethal gas accumulations remain possible under Alert Level 1.
 
PHIVOLCS warns that individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, lung, and heart diseases, as well as vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and children, are particularly sensitive to vog exposure.
 
Communities affected by vog are also urged to limit their exposure by staying indoors and using N95 face masks to protect against inhalation of volcanic gases.
 
Additionally, PHIVOLCS has warned that acid rain, generated by volcanic gas emissions combined with rainfall, may damage crops and corrode metal roofs in affected areas.