Claim: Taal Volcano spews a giant plume of smoke following reports of volcanic smog affecting parts of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.
Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post bearing the claim posted on August 19 has gained 404 reactions, 85 comments, and 283 shares as of writing. It was shared by a Facebook page which has over 24,000 followers.
The post is captioned “Taal Volcano now” with superimposed text reading, “Stay safe, everyone.” Similar posts have been shared across other social media platforms.
The facts: The circulating video of Taal Volcano was taken in 2020.
“Ipinapaalam sa publiko na walang katotohanan ang mga kumakalat na larawan o video na nagbubuga ng makapal na usok ang Bulkang Taal, katulad ng nasa ibabang imahe na kuha pa noong taong 2020,” the Batangas Provincial Information Office said in a Facebook post.
(The public is informed that the circulating photos or videos showing Taal Volcano spewing thick smoke, like the image below taken in 2020, are not true.)
Actual situation of Taal Volcano: Taal Volcano has been under Alert Level 1 or “in abnormal condition” since early 2024.
According to the bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Thursday, August 22, Taal’s sulfur dioxide emissions decreased from 5,128 tons daily on Wednesday, August 21, to 1,186 tons daily on Thursday.
The recent vog, which has affected several provinces since August 19, prompted local governments to suspend classes in some areas.
Some parts of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, and Metro Manila were enveloped by volcanic smog from Taal, prompting different local governments to implement a series of class suspensions.
Entry to Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone, remains prohibited. Boating on the lake and flying aircraft near the volcano are also restricted. – James Patrick Cruz/Rappler.com
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