On January 12, 2020 around 4pm, Taal volcano erupted. Barangay Sicat, Alfonso where RIMM HQ is is within 20km distance to the volcano crater.
The ashes were brought toward Manila areas due to wind direction at that time. Small seismic activities were observed frequently after the eruption. Manila airports were closed the next day long.
The electrical posts were affected by the frequent tremors along Aguinaldo Highway and power outage started the following day. Academy of World Healing Foundation (AWH) which provides its facility to RIMM as its headquarters had 5 consecutive days of blackout and all the communication lines were cut.
RIMM members who stay at AWH in this season went immediately to assist evacuees from Talisay and Laurel, Batangas province where volcanic activities were intense.
More than 6,000 evacuated to the municipality of Alfonso and RIMM coordinated with DSWD (Department of Social Welfare Development) to find the actual needs at the evacuation site mainly in its town proper where 2,000+ have been sheltered, and provide them including pales/dippers, garbage bags, hygiene kits and water.
Food has been supplied by the municipality and some private donations. There seemed to be enough supplies of drinking water, extra clothing and face masks.
As of January 16 (Day 5), they were still in need of sleeping mats, blankets and underwear for all ages and genders.
