Description of the disaster

After a year from the previous eruption of Taal Volcano, its main crater generated a short-lived phreatomagmatic plume one kilometre
high with no accompanying volcanic earthquake on 1 July 2021. The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) consequently, raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (out of 5). An Alert Level 3 refers to magma extruding from the
main crater, which could drive explosive eruption.
Taal Volcano is located about 50 kilometres south of the capital city Manila, in Batangas, CALABARZON (Region IV-A) on a smaller Volcano
Island, and is listed as a Permanent Danger Zone, with permanent settlement on the island not recommended. However, approximately 53,697
people (10,131 families) and CHF 129 millions of infrastructure are within 10 kilometre radius and 2.81 million people within 30 kilometre distance
(AHA Centre). Taal Volcano is among the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, with more than 30 reported eruptions. Last time Taal Volcano
erupted in early January 2020 affecting more than 736,000 people in CALABARZON (Region IV-A), Central Luzon (Region III) and National Capital
Region (NCR) and leading to an evacuation of more than 135,000 people, damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, and disruption of essential
services, such as water supply and education.
Since 9 March 2021, Taal Volcano was on Alert Level 2 due to increasing unrest. After the phreatomagmatic plume on 1 July, Taal
Volcano Network continued to record volcanic earthquakes, Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions and steam-rich plumes from the main
crater. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged at an all-time high and volcanic smog was observed over the CALABARZON, the National Capital
Region and other parts of Luzon. Exposure to volcanic smog can irritate eyes, throat, and respiratory tract. People with pre-existing health
conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and children are the most vulnerable to its effects.
Due to the situation, 6,262 families (22,433 people) were displaced in 131 barangays in CALABARZON reported by the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) terminal report. Out of the
families displaced, 1,655 families (5,865 people) took temporary shelter in 29 evacuation centres, and others stayed with their relatives
and/or friends temporarily. Furthermore, peoples’ livelihoods such as farming, livestock, fishing and tourism were affected.
After a three-week-period on Alert Level 3, the alert status of Taal Volcano was downgraded to Alert Level 2 (Decreased Unrest)
on 26 July 2021. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminded the public that at Alert Level 2, sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes,
minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas could occur and threaten areas within and around Taal Volcano Island
(TVI). DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommended that entry must be strictly prohibited into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger
Zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake. Local government
officials were advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case
of renewed unrest.
As of October 2021, Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 2 with reported volcanic tremor events, upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in
its lake generating plumes and high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring the activity
and immediately reporting any new developments to all stakeholders.

Reducing the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes

Responses to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be short-term, such as emergency aid, and long-term, including improving
hazard prediction and preparation.
Several things can be done to make living in active zones safer, including:
 Predicting and forecasting earthquakes and volcanoes using technology and historical data. This is more effective for volcanic
eruptions than earthquakes.
 Taking steps to prepare for a hazard event. The Seattle Times has an excellent guide to preparing for an earthquake.
 Having an emergency response in place in the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption, including stockpiling emergency
supplies of tents, food, water and blankets.
 Emergency drills for people at home and work and ensuring appropriate training is provided to emergency response teams.
Disaster Prevention Day is held on 1st September in Japan. On Disaster Prevention Day emergency drills organised by local
governments are held throughout the country. Some of these drills consist of ducking under desks to escape falling objects and
evacuating from buildings.
 Mapping areas of high-risk, identifying locations at risk of pyroclastic flows, lahars, landslips and liquefaction and ensuring these
areas are not used for building.
 Ensuring high construction standards so that buildings are constructed to be able to withstand earthquakes.
There are several ways scientists can help predict and prepare for volcanic eruptions. As magma rises within a volcano, seismometers can
be used to record earth tremors. As a volcano becomes increasingly active, the occurrence of earthquakes will increase and indicate that
the volcano may erupt. In addition to this, volcanoes can change shape as magma rises within. Tilt metres can be used to detect changes in
the shape of a volcano providing an early warning indicator.

The movement of magma towards the surface can cause subtle increases in temperature that can be identified through the use
of thermometers.
As volcanoes become more active, they can release increasing volumes of gases. Gas sensors on the surface and in specialised aircraft
(including drones) can monitor volcanic activity.
Satellite photographs can be used to monitor changes in the shape of a volcano, gas levels and increases in temperature .