MANILA, Philippines — With the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issuing an Alert Level 4 as Taal Volcano spews a massive cloud of ash into the sky which signifies an imminent eruption, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), on Monday advised residents of areas that are considered in the danger zone due to evacuate to safer areas and issued other safety reminders.

Gordon also activated PRC assistance teams, deploying staff and volunteers as well as response equipment and vehicles to Batangas and Cavite.

He also placed on alert all PRC chapters in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) as well as in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Those who are living in the danger areas should evacuate to safer grounds immediately. Bring animals and livestock to designated evacuation areas. Follow any evacuation orders issued by authorities and put your emergency plan into action. It is also very important to monitor what is happening by listening to a local station on a portable, battery operated radio or television for updated emergency information and instructions,” he said.

The PRC chief also issued other safety reminders such as keeping as much of one’s skin covered as possible; wearing dust mask designated to protect lung irritation from small particles; protecting your eyes by wearing goggles. Wear eyeglasses, not contact lenses; closing all windows and doors to keep volcanic ash from entering; and readying your family lifeline kit for possible evacuation.

“These safety reminders also go for people living in areas that may not be directly in the danger zones but are affected by the volcanic activity, such as in Metro Manila where there have been reported ash falls. Take note of emergency numbers: Red Cross Hotline: 143, PRC NHQ: 87902300,” he stressed.

The PRC has deployed five ambulances – three to Batangas and two to Cavite, one service vehicle, hot meals equipment, generator sets; mobilized the Batangas rapid disaster assessment and need analysis team; and set-up a welfare desk in Batangas.

A kilometer-high column of ash was visible and several volcanic tremors were felt within the vicinity of the volcano, which is popular among tourists for its scenic view. Government seismologists also recorded magma moving towards the crater, which signify that the underwater volcano is about to erupt. Taal’s last eruption was in 1977. (Stacy Ang/JGo/Currentph.com)