Phivolcs open to probe on Taal eruption preparedness

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has expressed openness to a congressional inquiry regarding its monitoring and preparedness for the Taal Volcano's eruption.

Phivolcs officer-in-charge Renato Solidum Jr. stated that the agency had already established preparations and issued warnings about Taal Volcano's potential eruption since March 2019.

Solidum clarified that Phivolcs raised the danger level of Taal to Alert Level 1 in March 2019, advising against permanent settlement on Taal Volcano Island, designated as a permanent danger zone.

He also highlighted that Phivolcs' continuous coordination with local officials led to the evacuation of thousands of residents to safer areas before the eruption occurred.

The agency had warned that the Main Crater of Taal Volcano was strictly off-limits due to the risk of sudden steam explosions and the release of lethal volcanic gases.

Despite the warnings, some tourists were reported to have attempted to reach the Main Crater Lake on the day of the eruption.

The January 12 eruption generated a 50,000-foot ash cloud, causing widespread ashfall and prompting evacuations within a 14-kilometer danger zone.

Taal Volcano is known as the second most active volcano in the Philippines, with a history of violent eruptions that have caused significant casualties.