The Department of Environmental and Natural Resources clarified that the greenish or yellowish tint observed in some parts of the Taal Lake is not related to the recent volcanic activity.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the hues were seen in the towns of Talisay, Balete, Tanauan and So. Tabla (Tuuran and Bignay).
The agency explained the phenomenon was caused by an “algal bloom” caused by the increased number of phytoplankton in the area.
“Ang nasabing pangyayari ay walang kaugnayan at/o may koneksyon sa kasalukuyang aktibidad ng bulkang Taal… Ito rin ay maaring sanhi ng mainit na paahon, kalmado at mataas na lebel ng nutrients sa tubig,” the statement read.
(The phenomenon has no link and/or connection to the current activity of the Taal Volcano… This may also be caused by the hot weather, calm and high levels of nutrients in the water)
Despite this, the DENR still warned the public to avoid contact with the water to avoid possible irritation or other side effects due to the phenomenon.
“Hinihikayat ng aming Tanggapan ang mga mamamayan na maging mapagmatyag at agad ipagbigay alam sa mga kinauukulan kung may kakaibang pangyayaring napansin at/o nasaksihan,” it added.
(We are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and immediately inform authorities should they notice strange events or phenomena.)
The Taal Volcano emitted 5,128 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Tuesday, causing volcanic smog (vog) in nearby areas from Sunday to Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said no more vog has been observed over the volcano. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
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