Taal Volcano continued to show "increased unrest" since it has been placed under Alert Level 2 in March 2021, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, May 11.

Based on Phivolcs' monitoring from 8 a.m., May 10 to 8 a.m., May 11, Taal Volcano had 148 earthquakes, including 96 volcanic tremors having durations of one minute to 16 minutes, 52 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and a low-level background tremor that has persisted since April 8.
It also observed a "weak" emission of steam-laden plumes from the volcano's gas vents that rose five meters.
Taal Volcano's sulfur dioxide emission averaged 2,325 tonnes per day on Monday, May 10, while temperature highs of 71.8 degrees Celsius and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the main crater lake on March 4 and Feb. 12, 2021, respectively.
Phivolcs added that ground deformation parameters continued to indicate a "very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption."
"These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice," it said.
Phivolcs maintained the Alert Level 2 status of Taal Volcano due to continuous "increased unrest."
The restive volcano in Batangas 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)," Phivolcs pointed out.
It warned the public from entering the volcano island, which is a permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure.
Occupancy and boating on Taal Lake should also be strictly prohibited, Phivolcs added.
Local government units were advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.
Civil aviation authorities were also asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.