Depending on the wind condition, Metro Manila ashfall from the Taal Volcano eruption may last three days, according to Philstar.
“For the next 24 hours to three days, it’s possible that the wind will shift [and carry] the ash plume to [the provinces of] Quezon, Laguna, and Rizal,” Chris Perez, weather specialist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said yesterday, January 13.
But even if the wind changes direction in the next few days, Perez said, “What has been deposited in the atmosphere will not be immediately cleared.” This is why PAGASA recommended that classes and work remain suspended in the heavily affected areas of Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, and Taguig.
After the Taal Volcano eruption on January 12, the public was advised to stay indoors and wear protective masks outdoors because inhaling particulates in the air may cause serious health problems.
The highest amount of Particulate Matter 10 (PM10), with diameters of 10 microns or less, recorded in Metro Manila was 118 in Mandaluyong City on Monday morning, January 13. It was considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
In the evening of the same day, the air quality in Metro Manila improved, according to Inquirer. The highest level of PM10 recorded was 53 in Malabon City, which is considered moderate or fair, according to data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
However, the public is still advised to take precautionary measures since Taal Volcano remains at alert level four.
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