124,000 families remain affected by Taal

MANILA -- The number of families affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano has so far reached 124,764 in the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon.

Meanwhile, families staying in 415 evacuation centers have declined to 19,131 from 35,574 on Wednesday while the remainder has either returned to their houses or are still staying with relatives and friends.

In its 6 a.m. update Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said this is equivalent to 464,728

persons. On Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowered Taal Volcano’s status to Alert Level 3. Damage to infrastructure and agriculture in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna remained at PHP3.3 billion. Meanwhile, the amount of aid extended to affected families by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health has reached PHP84 million. (PNA)