By Pot Chavez
BATANGAS CITY – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) assured on Tuesday that all is under control following the magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck the province on Monday night.
Dr. Amor Calayan, head of PDRRMO, emphasized that the earthquake on the previous evening was tectonic in nature and unrelated to any activity of Taal Volcano. It was merely caused by the shifting of the earth’s crust, with no indication warranting a tsunami alert.
She added that while the volcano is in Level 1 of unrest, there is no impending eruption following the earthquake at 9:57 p.m.
The epicenter was recorded in the town of Calatagan, a tourist destination that is known for its pristine white sand beaches and rich cultural heritage.
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) said it had a depth of 101 km and was also felt in Magallanes, Cavite.
Under Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest), entry into Taal Volcano Island, occupancy and boating in Taal Lake is not allowed, according to Phivolcs.
Calayan assured visiting tourists that the PDRRMO and local DRRMOs are ready to respond to any emergency across the province.
She said they also have the El Niño Task Force to address the effects of hot dry season. (PNA)
