Filtered By: Topstories
News

US warden cautions nationals about Taal


The activity at restive Taal Volcano in Batangas has prompted the United States to caution its nationals to avoid Volcano Island there. In a warden message, the US Embassy in Manila also advised Americans to follow instructions from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). "The US Embassy reminds US citizens that the Philippine government has established that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and has stated that permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. No residents are allowed within the danger zone," it said in the warden message posted on its Facebook page. Phivolcs had raised the alert level at Taal to "2" after noting increased activity there, including volcanic quakes and concentration of carbon dioxide. It particularly warned the public to steer clear of the main crater, Daang Kastila Trail, and Mt. Tabaro, site of eruptions in 1965 and 1977. "The Embassy urges all US citizens contemplating travel to the vicinity of the Taal Volcano to strictly observe any Philippine government restrictions on travel into the PDZ and to pay close attention to daily status reports issued by Phivolcs. US citizens are also encouraged to inform the Embassy of any travel plans in the area," the US Embassy said. It added US citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 301-2000. In case of an emergency outside business hours, citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 301-2000. The US Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63)(2) 301-2017, email address is acsinfomanila@state.gov and the web page is at http://manila.usembassy.gov. Meanwhile, the Embassy recommends that US citizens residing or traveling in the Philippines enroll with the US Embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at https://travelregistration.state.gov. For the latest security information, US citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. — LBG, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT