BFP ordered to clear roads of ashfall

January 15, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday ordered the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to mobilize all resources to help clear roads of ashfall in  areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

"In these trying times, we must unite as a nation and respond with urgency. I therefore direct the BFP to deploy all its firetrucks and assets and perform all needed actions to assist in the road clearing and cleaning of ashfall and volcanic debris in all affected provinces," Año said.

He said it is important immediately clear roads and recover cars buried in ash.

Año said as the Taal Volcano continues to spew ash and other volcanic debris, consistent aid in clearing the road and evacuating the people must be implemented.

  "The BFP has the firetrucks and water provisions to help in clearing the roads of ash fall from the volcano. The muds are hindrance for the evacuation of the people and the delivery of relief goods,” he said.

According to the secretary, 531 fire personnel, 147 firetrucks, 39 Emergency Medical Service personnel, and 9 ambulances from BFP-CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) have been deployed to the affected areas.

Año also commended firefighters and police officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who helped evacuees at great risk to their lives. 

"Thank you to your voluntary help to the people. But we cannot stop now. The volcanic eruption has caused great damage and it may increase to more damage in the coming days. Hold your ground. The people need you,” he said.

Alert Status 4 which entails imminent hazardous eruption was raised after Taal Volcano's intensified volcanic eruption sent spews of ash columns several kilometers into the atmosphere. Ella Dionisio/DMS