Taal Eruption
[Report by Tricia Mae Soriano]
Date and location of the disaster
12 January 2020: Around 1:00 PM, Taal Volcano began showing signs of unrest after 43 years of inactivity. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), increasing steam activity was observed in at least five areas inside the main crater with frequent phreatic explosions that generated steam reaching 10-15 km high.
20 January 2020: Activity in the volcano includes steady steam emission and infrequent weak explosions that generated ash plumes 500 to 1000 meters tall and dispersed ash southwest of the Main Crater. Taal Volcano Network recorded a total of 673 volcanic earthquakes including 12 low-frequency earthquakes.
Nature of the disaster
Taal has a moderately violent phreatomagmatic explosive eruption. The main phreatic explosions, which were preceded by ejection of basaltic spatter, opened a new crater 1.5 km long and 0.3 km wide on the southwest side of Volcano Island in Lake Taal. Over Taal Volcano, Alert Level 4 was put in effect. This indicates that a potentially dangerous explosive eruption could occur within hours or days. Total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk locations specified in hazard maps within a 14-kilometer radius of Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been recorded is strongly recommended by DOST-PHIVOLCS. Given its location on the higher hill, Tagatay City has been allowed for re-opening, although other locations within a 14-kilometer radius remain off-limits.
Natural or man-made?
The Taal Eruption is a natural disaster since no one knows when it will occur. We cannot control the eruption of a volcano; it will occur at an unknown moment.
What type of hazard?
It is a geologic hazard because it originated from the Earth's surface.
Vulnerability level of the community
Taal Volcano is among the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, with more than 30 reported eruptions. It is situated on a Volcano Island and is listed as a “Permanent Danger Zone,” which is why permanent settlement on the island is not recommended, however, approximately 459,300 people live within the 14 kilometers Danger Zone (OCHA).
Disaster Mitigation Techniques
Taal Volcano began erupting with ash last January 12, 2020 causing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to upgrade its warning level to Level 2. PHIVOLCS upped the alert level to 3, signaling magmatic unrest, and the ash column had reached a height of one kilometer.
PHIVOLCS strongly advised that the Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas are to be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami. People are also prohibited to enter the barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel.
In the case of an eruption, DOST-PHIVOLCS increases the condition of Taal Volcano to Alert Level 4, indicating that a hazardous eruption is probable within a few hours to several days. Due to the potential hazard of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunamis, DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends a comprehensive evacuation from Taal Volcano Island, as well as extra evacuation to risky or high-risk regions within a 14-kilometer radius of Taal Main Crater. Areas north of Taal Volcano should keep an eye out and be cautious of the effects of continuous and extended ash rain. Because of the possibility of ash and ballistic pieces from the eruption column, civil aviation authorities should warn aircraft to avoid flying around the volcano.
Taal Volcano ashfall had reached Calabarzon and Metro Manila. Power disruptions were also reported in several regions surrounding Taal Volcano as a result of ashfall, lava mud, and debris. Furthermore, regions of ashfall have suffered a sulfurous odor, which can cause discomfort. Affected people are urged to avoid inhaling ash and to wear N95-grade facemasks or a moist cloth or towel while stepping outside. Motorists are warned to drive with great caution since ash may create poor sight and make roads slippery when wet. Residents in the southwest are encouraged to take precautions against the consequences of severe and protracted ashfall.
Several governmental agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, private sectors, schools, and individuals initiated donation drives for the victims of the typhoon.
Damages, Injuries, and Casualties
Taal Volcano erupted the last time on January 12, 2020, affecting over 736,000 people in Calabarzon. Resulting in the evacuation of more than 135,000 people, damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, and disruption of essential services such as water supply and education.
14,082 houses were damaged due to the sudden eruption. 1,151 families took temporary shelters in 11 evacuation centers in Batangas and Quezon.
643 flights were canceled due to the volcanic ash generated by the disaster.
The eruption of Taal Volcano cost the economy at least P8.4 billion in damage to assets as well as foregone income.
To know more about the preparedness measures for the eruption of Taal, click the link below to view the situational reports of NDRRMC.
Damage from November typhoons, eruption of Taal in 2020 reckoned at P113 billion. BusinessWorld Online.
Filipino Travel Company. (n.d.). History. Hiking Taal Volcano | Day Tours from Manila. http://www.taalvolcano.org/history/
Philippines: Taal Volcano Eruption - Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) DREF n° MDRPH043 - Philippines. (2021, July 5). ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-taal-volcano-eruption-emergency-plan-action-epoa-dref-n-mdrph043#:%7E:text=Last%20time%20Taal%20Volcano%20erupted,and%20disruption%20of%20essential%20services%2C
Philippines: Taal Volcano Eruption - Final Report (n° MDRPH043) - Philippines. (2021, December 1). ReliefWeb.
https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-taal-volcano-eruption-final-report-n-mdrph043
Philippines: Taal Volcano Eruption DREF n° MDRPH039 Operation update n° 2 - Philippines. (2020, May 19).
N. (2021, March 4).