Number of families affected by Taal unrest now 81K

FILE: The evacuation center at the compound of the Old Tanauan City Hall houses hundreds of locals affected by the recent eruption of the Taal Volcano on Friday (Jan. 17, 2020). The Quezon City government has provided the evacuees with modular cubicle tents. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — As the unrest of the Taal Volcano entered its 13th day on Thursday, the number of families affected has now climbed to 81,067.

In its 6 a.m. update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said this is equivalent to 316,989 people living in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon.

Of this number, 39,811 families equivalent to 147,873 individuals are residing in 500 evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, the remaining families, whose numbers are still being validated, are being aided outside and are said to be sheltering with families and friends far from the volcano’s 14-kilometer danger zone.

As of 5 a.m. Thursday, volcanic earthquakes plotted in the Taal Region have reached 731 of which 176 were felt, ranging from magnitude 1.2 to 4.1 and Intensity 1 to 5.