Taal Volcano towns under lockdown amid eruption threat

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4, with 11 towns in Batangas under a complete lockdown to prevent residents from returning to their homes.

The lockdown now includes Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balete, Cuenca, Laurel, Lemery, Malvar, San Nicolas, Sta Teresita, Taal, Talisay, Tanauan City, parts of Lipa City, and parts of Mataasnakahoy.

Authorities are implementing mandatory evacuations in barangays vulnerable to ballistic projectiles, base surges, and volcanic tsunamis.

Despite a lull in ash spewing, authorities warn that a catastrophic eruption remains possible due to daily earthquakes and ground fissures indicating magma flow.

Sulfur dioxide emissions have spiked to 4,186 tons per day, a significant increase indicating magma movement towards the surface.

The number of volcanic quakes has reached 566 since Sunday, with 103 recorded in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning.

Damage to agriculture has reached P548 million, and residents have begun rescuing animals from Taal Volcano Island.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is working on long-term evacuation plans.