For Rappler’s production team, the primary tool for telling stories is video. Taal Volcano’s explosive displays lend themselves well to the medium, but that’s just scratching the surface.

Only video can capture the desperation in the faces of poor fishermen defying a 14-kilometer ban to fish right in front of a restive volcano. (First video below.)

Only video can tell the heartbreaking story of the horses of Taal all covered in ash, thirsty and hungry – a story that in turn triggers a massive relief operation for our furry friends. (Second video below)

Only video can tell the story of the elderly in traditional Filipiniana garb dancing the “Subli,” a prayer-ritual to entreat God to calm down the volcano. (Third video below)

We heard Balete Mayor Wilson Maralit exclaim in exasperation over residents refused to leave their homes: “I don’t know what they are observing. It’s already Alert Level 4!!” Despite the panic behind his voice, very few know why an Alert Level 4 should be a compelling reason to leave one’s house.

That’s where the power of video to teach comes in – such as this explainer on deciphering the Alert Levels for Taal Volcano.

Where to get official, reliable info on Taal Volcano eruption:

Phivolcs – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
Website | Facebook: PHIVOLCS | Twitter: @phivolcs_dost

NDRRMC – National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – for updates on disaster assessment and response
Website | Facebook: NDRRMC | Twitter: @NDRRMC_OpCen

DOH – Department of Health – for health advisories and safety tips
Website | Facebook: OfficialDOHgov | Twitter: @DOHgov

PAGASA – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration – for weather updates
Website | Facebook: PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH | Twitter: @dost_pagasa

DSWD – Department of Social Welfare and Development –
for relief operations, including information for donors and for volunteers
Website | Facebook: dswdserves | Twitter: @dswdserves

CAAP – Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – for airport operations
Website | Facebook: caaphilippines

MIAA – Manila International Airport Authority – for flight advisories
Website | Facebook: MIAAGovPh | Twitter: @MIAAGovPH

PNP – Philippine National Police – for public safety updates and concerns
Website | Facebook: pnp.pio | Twitter: @pnppio

Batangas Public Information Office
Facebook: batspio | Twitter: @batspiocapitol

Cavite Provincial Government
Facebook: cavite.gov

Philippine Information Agency-Calabarzon
Facebook: piagovph4a

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