CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) --Evacuation of residents in areas surrounding the Taal volcano has started, as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised its status to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) after a phreatomagmatic eruption, which involves both magma and water occurred on Thursday, July 1.

As of July 2, about 1,499 individuals or 376 families are currently staying in 12 evacuation centers in Batangas province.

Meanwhile, a total of 946 PNP personnel committed to assist in the search, rescue and retrieval operations in the affected areas.

According to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Logistics Cluster, they will prioritize providing the evacuees’ basic needs, such as food kits, hygiene kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) such as face masks, N-95 masks and safety goggles to prevent the health risks of too much exposure volcanic ash.

Other medical resources such as disinfectants, antigen testing kits, RT-PCR testing kits, medicines and COVID-19 vaccines are also on standby as medical assistance for the evacuees.

The logistics cluster is also preparing additional resources such as transportation vehicles, tents, accommodation, and quarantine facilities for responders on the scene.

Basic provisions such as potable water and water filtration system, additional toilets and portalets are also on standby in the designated evacuation sites.

Regional Health Emergency Medical Service Head, Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe said medicines on standby include antibiotics, antihypertensive, multivitamins and antidiabetics in case of emergencies. (PB)