Quakes, gas emissions still observed at Taal Volcano as 'magmatic unrest' persists


(MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN / FILE PHOTO)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues to detect earthquakes associated with the magmatic degassing of Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours.

In its volcano bulletin on Saturday, July 10, Phivolcs observed eight volcanic earthquakes, including two low-frequency earthquakes, five tremor events having durations of one to two minutes, and a low-level background that tremor has persisted since July 7.

"High levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose 1,200 meters before drifting generally west was generated from the Taal main crater," it added.

As of July 9, the average SO2 emission of Taal Volcano was measured at 4,149 tonnes per day.

Phivolcs said that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 due to continuous "magmatic unrest."

"At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the main crater could drive explosive eruption," Phivolcs said.

The public is prohibited from entering the entire Taal Volcano Island, which is a permanent danger zone.

Phivolcs also advised those in the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas to evacuate due to hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami in case strong eruptions occur.

"All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time," it added.

Communities around the Taal lakeshores were also advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog.

Phivolcs asked residents around Taal Lake to "calmly" prepare for possible evacuation should Taal Volcano's unrest intensifies.