The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 141 volcanic earthquakes over Taal Volcano in Batangas in the past 24 hours.
Of the number, 121 are volcanic tremor events with durations of two to 30 minutes, 17 are low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, three hybrid events, and low-level background tremor that persisted since July 7.
The agency has also monitored two “strong” volcanic tremor events at magnitude 2.6 and 4.1, respectively, and felt at Intensity II.
“These events were accompanied by rumbling sounds as reported by residents of Barangays Banyaga and Bilibinwang, Agoncillo, Batangas,” Phivolcs said in a volcano bulletin Thursday, Aug. 12.
Meanwhile, activity at the volcano’s main crater consisted of upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes that reach 1,500 meters tall, and drifted to the northeast and southwest.
State volcanologists noted that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 3,004 tonnes per day on Aug. 11.
With this, Phivolcs has maintained that Alert Level 2 status over Taal Volcano.
This means that sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur.
Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must be strictly prohibited, as well as occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.