STO TOMAS City — A senior official from Phivolcs has advised the public to remain vigilant due to the possibility of volcanic smog, known as vog, making a return at any time.
This is as face-to-face classes at all levels have resumed in this city and surrounding local government units near Taal volcano, as it appears that the vog has subsided.
Nevertheless, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol emphasized the importance of staying alert for the potential reappearance of vog at Taal Volcano.
Even though the volcano had clear skies without vog since midday on Monday, he stressed the need for continued vigilance because vog could return.
He explained that the clear conditions were due to windy weather, which helped disperse the vog.
However, he cautioned that vog’s reappearance remains uncertain, influenced by factors such as wind speed, sulfur dioxide emissions, rainfall, and temperature.
Bacolcol also mentioned that vog would completely disappear when the surrounding area is free from haze and sulfuric odors.
Vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gases, particularly sulfur dioxide, and can linger when atmospheric layers prevent proper dispersion.
Exposure to vog can lead to irritation in the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract, with the severity depending on gas concentrations and the duration of exposure.
Taal Volcano is currently at Alert Level 1, indicating an abnormal condition with ongoing unrest and the potential for eruptive activity.
Access to Taal Volcano Island, especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remains restricted, and boating on Taal Lake is prohibited. (ai/mnm)