Taal Volcano eruption affects over 215K individuals

The number of individuals affected by the Taal Volcano eruption has increased to 215,773, with 53,716 families displaced in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Cavite.

Of this number, 29,474 families or 112,757 individuals are taking temporary shelter in a total of 416 evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC reported that more than P3 billion worth of damage to agriculture was incurred in CALABARZON due to the volcanic activity which started last week.

A total of 714 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the vicinity of Taal as of 6 a.m. on January 20, with 174 felt with a magnitude ranging from 1.2 to 4.1 and intensity of I to V.

The provincial governments of Batangas declared a state of calamity effective January 13, while Cavite followed suit on January 15.

Damage to agriculture in the three provinces was placed at PHP3,061,424,549, with assistance extended to affected families reaching PHP12,588,793.92.