Natural Disaster Alert - U.S. Embassy Manila (January 12, 2020) Updated

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United States Embassy Manila, Philippines

Natural Disaster Alert - U.S. Embassy Manila (January 12, 2020)

Location: Vicinity of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas, Philippines

Event:  The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in the Philippines to exercise caution if contemplating travel in the vicinity of the Taal Volcano Island and the Barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, located in Batangas, approximately 100 kilometers south of Manila, on the island of Luzon.  In light of ongoing volcanic and seismic activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued an ALERT LEVEL 3 over Taal Volcano. PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that, "Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas be evacuated due to possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami."     

Actions to Take:

• Be vigilant and, according to PHIVOLCS, "the public is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone, and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited."
• Those planning travel to the Taal volcano region are encouraged to monitor current conditions, maintain active awareness of local conditions, and especially refrain from entering the Permanent Danger Zone and high-risk barangays.
• Continue to monitor local media as well as the PHIVOLCS web site for updates on the situation http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/.

Assistance:

•  U.S. Embassy in the Philippines +63 (2) 5301-2000
• [email protected]
• State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Philippines Country Information
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

[+Salty Dog 61,200]

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines

Natural Disaster Alert Update - U.S. Embassy Manila (January 12, 2020)
 
Location: Vicinity of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas, Philippines
 
Event:  In light of intensified eruptive activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Taal Volcano's alert status from Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) to ALERT LEVEL 4 (hazardous eruption imminent).  This means that hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days. 
  
Actions to Take: 

•  U.S. citizens in the Philippines should exercise caution if contemplating travel in the vicinity of the Taal Volcano Island and surrounding areas.  
•  DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates, "total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and additional evacuation of areas at high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within a 14-kilometer radius from Taal Main Crater."
•  Areas in the general north of Taal Volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall. 
•  Be vigilant and, according to PHIVOLCS, "the public is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone, and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited." 
•  Those planning travel to the Taal volcano region are encouraged to monitor current conditions, maintain active awareness of local conditions, and especially refrain from entering the Permanent Danger Zone and high-risk barangays. 
•  Continue to monitor local media as well as the PHIVOLCS web site for updates on the situation http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/.

 Assistance:

•  U.S. Embassy in the Philippines +63 (2) 5301-2000
• [email protected]
• State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Philippines Country Information
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook