U.S. Embassy in the
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
• ACSInfoManila@state.gov
• 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
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