Taal Volcano Eruption, Philippines | Direct Relief
Channel: Direct Relief
Date: 2020-01-13

The Taal Volcano erupted yesterday spewing ash, lava, and lightning miles into the atmosphere and choking out nearby communities. Located just 44 miles south of the capital city of Manila, the Taal volcano has blanketed the surrounding area in hazardous ash and forced an estimated 460,000 people to evacuate their homes. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned that a hazardous explosive eruption was possible within hours or days. Ash and debris were disruptive enough to quickly force the international airport in Manila to cancel more than 500 flights.

The primary concern is the threat of a large eruption similar to that of nearby Mount Pinatubo which killed 800 people and displaced over 200,000. However even if the activity of Taal doesn’t increase, the volcanic ash already released into the atmosphere poses a variety of health hazards. Volcanic ash is a nasal, respiratory, and eye irritant. Especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic heart and lung conditions. Containing poisons such as fluorine, ash can have disastrous implications on local livestock and agriculture. 

Direct Relief currently has staff on the ground in the Philippines and is in contact with the Philippines Red Cross who has requested an emergency donation of Direct Relief N95 masks which should depart our Goleta warehouse for Manila this week. Direct Relief is also in touch with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and other local partners. 

Earlier this year, in support of regional partner the AHA Centre, Direct Relief funded the procurement of $500,000 of emergency response materials to be staged in the AHA Center Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) warehouse in Manila. This plan was put in place for a humanitarian emergencies like the Taal eruption so that the AHA Centre can move quickly to support disaster-affected communities. These supplies are in the warehouse now ready to be distributed if or when needed in the next 72 hours.