19 quakes recorded at Taal Volcano in past 24 hours
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes in Taal in Batangas in the past 24 hours.
In a volcano bulletin issued on Saturday, May 1, Phivolcs said of the 19 volcanic earthquakes recorded, 17 low frequency volcanic earthquakes were recorded.
It continued to observe low-level background tremor that has persisted since 9:05 a.m. of April 8, 2021.
State seismologists also observed a weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumaroles or gas vents that rose 10 meters at Taal’s Main Crater.
Tall Volcano’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 1,918 tonnes per day on April 30, while temperature highs of 71.8°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake March 4 and Feb. 12, 2021, respectively.
"Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS (global positioning system) and InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) monitoring continue to record a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption,” Phivolcs said.
"These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” it added.
Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 2 at Taal Volcano.
The restive volcano has been under Alert Level 2 since March 9, 2021.
“Sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around TVI (Taal Volcano Island),” Philvolcs said.
It warned the public from entering the volcano island, Taal's permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure.
It said occupancy and boating on Taal Lake should also be 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,” it 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.