Taal volcano vog reaches Metro Manila

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that volcanic smog or "vog" from Taal Volcano has spread over Metro Manila and nearby areas, including Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales.

Phivolcs stated that while human activities significantly contribute to haze in urban areas, the vog from Taal Volcano has also reached these regions.

The agency explained that a warm layer of air below one kilometer is trapping pollutants near the ground, preventing cooler air from rising and thus promoting smog accumulation, a condition exacerbated by the sulfur dioxide emissions from Taal.

Sulfur dioxide emissions from Taal Volcano significantly increased to an average of 14,326 tons per day on June 28 from 4,771 tons per day on June 27.

Vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas, such as sulfur dioxide, which is acidic and can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.

Magmatic unrest continues at shallow depths beneath Taal Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 2.