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Phivolcs logs 28 volcanic quakes, 130 tremor episodes at Taal Volcano in past 24 hours
Phivolcs logs 28 volcanic quakes, 130 tremor episodes at Taal Volcano in past 24 hours
The Taal Volcano in Batangas continued to exhibit heightened activity, with several volcanic earthquakes and over 100 tremor episodes were observed in the past 24 hours.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the Taal Volcano Network recorded 28 volcanic earthquakes and 130 volcanic tremor episodes with durations of one to five minutes in the past 24 hours.
“Despite these, only weak steam-laden plumes were emitted by fumarolic activity at the vents of the Main Crater,” Phivolcs said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.
Temperature highs of 74.6 degrees Celsius and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake respectively on Feb. 18 and Feb. 12.
"Ground deformation parameters from continuous electronic tilt on Volcano Island record a slight deflation around the Main Crater since October 2020 but overall, very slow and steady inflation of the Taal region has been recorded by continuous GPS data after the eruption,” it said.
Phivolcs said Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, which means that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
State seismologists also strongly recommended that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.
“Local government units are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest,” Phivolcs said.
“Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft,” it added.