By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Taal Volcano’s seismic monitoring network has detected 20 volcanic earthquakes during a 24-hour observation period conducted by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) of the active volcano in Batangas.
Taal Volcano (WIKIPEDIA/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The tremors were monitored from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Philvolcs said Taal Volcano continues to be under alert level 1, which means that hazardous eruption is not imminent.
Based on its field measurements on May 2 at the western sector of the main crater lake, it noted a decrease in water temperature from 32.8 degrees Celsius (°C) to 32.2 °C, a decrease in water level from 0.25 meter to 0.18 meter, and decrease in the scale of acidity from 2.98 to 2.87.
Ground deformation measurements through precise leveling surveys from March 18 – 27 indicated slight inflation of the edifice consistent with recent results from continuous GPS data.
Many volcanoes are known to have inflated before eruptions.
While there is no imminent threat of eruption, Phivolcs still reminded to stay off the main crater due to possible sudden steam explosions and high concentrations of toxic gases.
The northern portion of the main crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly increases.
Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone, and permanent settlement in the island is strongly prohibited.