The nation’s seismological agency said steadily shrinking ash and gas emissions were signs of “decreased tendency towards hazardous explosive eruption”, leading them to lower the alert by a notch. “Residents of all towns under lockdown except Agoncillo and Laurel now have the option to return,” local governor Hermilando Mandanas told a press conference. However, the scientists reiterated that access to the volcano island, which was once home to a community of thousands, and the lake around it “must be strictly prohibited”. In 1965, a Taal eruption killed some 200 people. Despite the risks that the volcano erupt could again erupt, many residents were eager to return home.

Source: The Guardian January 26, 2020 11:37 UTC