Loud booming sounds were heard by nearby residents when Taal Volcano erupted Sunday. These images were taken about 3 p.m. or 2 hours after the eruption from Tagaytay City, Cavite. Photo from Tagaytay City Cavite Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday warned the public of possible health risks of exposure to volcanic ash after Taal Volcano spouted a giant ash column.
In an advisory, the DOH explained that 鈥渧olcanic ash consists of powder-size to sand-size particles that have been blown into the air by an erupting volcano.鈥�
鈥淎nyone who already suffers from health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma should avoid exposure to volcanic ash,鈥� the DOH said.
The DOH listed the following as some of the health effects of volcanic ash:
- Nose and throat irritation
- Coughing
- Bronchitis-like illness
- Discomfort while breathing
- Eye irritation
- Minor skin problems
To cope with volcanic ash, the health department asked the public to take the following precautionary measures:
- Minimize exposure to ash
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Keep doors and windows closed
- Keep home from infiltration by using damp curtains, blankets or clothing
- Use dust masks
- Wear goggles or eyeglasses to protect eyes from irritation
- Keep pets in closed shelter
- Clear your roof of ash
- Observe traffic notifications and road safety measure
Taal spouts giant ash column after a phreatic explosion occurred in the volcano鈥檚 crater around 1 p.m.
The聽Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has upgraded the Alert Status on Taal to Level 3 around 4 p.m., which means increasing the tendency towards an eruption.
搁贰础顿:听Alert Level 3 up for Taal volcano
Phivolcs has already recommended that Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays in the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas be evacuated, due to possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.
/atm