Image via WikipediaAn April 11, 2011 press release by the Department of the Interior and Local Government
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Monday called on the provincial government of Batangas and local officials of nearby towns to make the necessary preparations for possible evacuation and relocation of residents as the Taal Volcano in Talisay town continued to show heightened activity.
Robredo made the call as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) upgraded the alert level status of the volcano from 1 to 2 after at least 21 volcanic quakes were detected by the seismic network in the past 24 hours.
According to Phivolcs, Alert Level 2 indicates unrest probably of magmatic origin that could eventually lead to eruption.
“Ang importante dito ay magkaroon na ng malawakang preparasyon at paghahanda ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan para maseguro ang kaligtasan ng mga residente,” he said.
The DILG Secretary said the local disaster risk reduction management council should identify possible relocation sites such as public schools and town plazas where affected residents may temporary seek shelter should an eruption happen.
The council should also constantly coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) who can help them during evacuation and relief efforts, he said.
“Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, kailangan nating magtulungan at makipag-ugnayan sa isa’t isa para na rin sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan,” said Robredo.
Robredo also directed DILG regional and field officials to extend the necessary assistance and support to the affected towns in the formulation of a responsive and doable contingency plan, and to assist them for the possible use of their calamity funds.
The DILG chief likewise urged the public to cooperate with local authorities by keeping away from the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila Trail at the northeastern slope and Mt. Tabaro, which are strictly off-limits.
The entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone, and permanent settlement is strictly not recommended, according to Phivolcs.
Taal, one of the smallest volcanoes, is one of the most unstable of the country’s 22 known active volcanoes with 33 recorded eruptions, the last one in 1977.
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