The Taal volcano is located 70km south of Manila in the Philippines. On January 13, 2020, the volcano erupted causing weak lava fountaining, thunder and lightning. The eruption caused a giant ash plume that rained ashfall in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite and Metro Manila. Seismic activity has been reported in Tagaytay City, Cabuyao, Laguna, Talisay, Alitagtag, Lemery and Bauan, Bantangas with volcanic earthquakes continuing to be felt long after the initial eruption.
The volcano continues to produce ash plumes up to 800 metres high. The ash plumes are causing extreme reduction in visibility and loss of power, and pose a major health risk to individuals living in the area. Evacuation orders for Taal and the surrounding areas have been issued and continue to expand, encompassing additional towns. Close to 100,000 people have been affected by the eruptions and more than 70,000 people are seeking shelter in more than 300 evacuation centres.
70,000+ PEOPLE DISPLACED
800 METRE ASH PLUMES
300+ EVACUATION CENTRES
GlobalMedic deployed our Rapid Response Team to support the people displaced by the eruptions. The team carried 1,620 N95 masks into the country with them to distribute and use for respiratory protection from the ash.
The Rapid Response Team also distributed 625 support kits containing bottled water, hygiene items like shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as non-perishable food items like rice and canned goods. An additional 603 hygiene support kits, 603 adult medical packages and 353 child medical packages were distributed. These kits were distributed at evacuation centres in Barangays, Batangas, Bauan, St. Tomas, and St. Pasquale.
GlobalMedic will continue to evaluate the needs in the Philippines in order to best support the displaced population.
