BATANGAS, Philippines – At least 1,470 villagers have sought shelter in evacuation centers and their relatives’ homes amid the continuing threat of a Taal Volcano eruption.
The affected towns are San Nicolas, Balete, and Talisay, according to authorities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), meanwhile, recorded 6 earthquakes in the Taal vicinity in the last 24 hours.
Despite the danger, some residents of Calauit Island in Balete, which is part of the main volcano island, have remained calm.
Some villagers leave their homes in the afternoon and return every morning for their livelihood such as salted fish production.
“Kailangan kumita. Four hundred ang isang kilo,” said Marjorie Landicho.
They have packed their belongings and can evacuate at a moment’s notice if and when the situation turns for the worse.
“Handa naman ang mga ang munisipyo. Sa ngayon naman kasi ay voluntary pa lamang pero kung magkakaroon ng forced evacuation handa naman ang aming mga paaralan,” said local disaster response official Raymond Cueto. – Report from Joan Panopio, ABS-CBN News ABS-CBN Southern Tagalog