Prepare for worst, Taal LGU told

These are active volcanoes. Even if they are only under alert level 1, authorities should be on alert

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) on Saturday called on local government units (LGU) to prepare in case there is escalation in the activity of Taal Volcano.

In a Laging Handa briefing, NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said that on Friday the agency conducted a full council meeting where Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director

Undersecretary Renato Solidum said that aside from the restiveness of Taal, other volcanoes are also showing activities, including Mayon Volcano in Albay and Mount Kanlaon in Negros.

“These are active volcanoes. Even if they are only under alert level 1, authorities should be on alert,” hel said.

Timbal added that preemptive

evacuation was already done on residents living in the island following the recent activity of Taal Volcano.

“We have evacuation procedures to remind local governments in case there is escalation, they can immediately implement preemptive evacuation to the surrounding communities in the mainland,” he added.

According to Timbal, those who should be covered by the possible relocation are those staying in the quarantine facilities.

“LGU should protect the general population. They should have alternate quarantine facilities in case those being used at present are no longer safe in case the activity of Taal Volcano exacerbates,” according to Timbal.

She said that LGU should likewise prepare for relief goods, equipment, and vehicles in case there is escalation in the activity of Taal Volcano.

“Our contingency plan for the Taal Volcano emergency is prepared and we are coordinating with our local government units as they are the frontliners during emergencies. Our Regional Disaster Council and the National Disaster Council are here to provide support, in terms of logistics, transferring evacuees to safer places, additional relief items, medical support, especially that we also have a pandemic,” he said.

At the same time, Timbal appealed to the residents to be on alert in view of the continued threat brought by Taal Volcano.

“Please heed the reminder of the authorities especially our fishermen. Our Coast Guard, BFP and PNP teams are conducting monitoring around the island to provide support to the residents,” he said.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY YUMMIE DINGDING FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_yumi IT has been over a year since residents from the volcano island evacuated in Aya Elementary School. Taal has once again shown signs of activity which adds anxiety to the people living in Batangas and its environs.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RIO LEONELLE DELUVIO FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_rio EVEN kids have to set some regulations before playing a game using rubber bands with face-to-face classes still suspended.