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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solidum: No eruption in Taal, just thunderstorm

Solidum: No eruption in Taal, just thunderstorm

Published May 23, 2021 08:20 pm

Science and Technology Undersecretary and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) OIC Renato Solidum said the alleged explosion reported at Taal Volcano on Sunday, May 23, was just a thunderstorm.

Solidum made the statement amid reports circulating on social media of an alleged eruption at Taal Volcano in Batangas on Sunday evening.

Videos shared on social media showed huge clouds and lightning activity near the volcano.

TAAL VOLCANO (PNA / FILE PHOTO)

Solidum said in a text message to the Manila Bulletin that it was not an eruption but just a thunderstorm activity in Batangas.

https://twitter.com/phivolcs_dost/status/1396452580054618117

"The video that is being circulated showing lightning activities near Taal Volcano is not related to any volcanic activity. There are no recorded and observed activities from the volcano monitoring network and IP cameras in Taal Volcano," Phivolcs further said in a statement.

In a thunderstorm advisory issued at 7:36 p.m., Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned the public against the occurrence of moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds in several areas including Calatagan, Lian, and Balayan in Batangas.

Last Saturday, May 22, Phivolcs has observed an upwelling of “hot volcanic fluids” in the Taal Volcano’s lake that triggered the formation of “steam plumes, vertical jets, and even water spouts when cool air or rainwater is upon the lake surface.”

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2.

As such, 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 the Taal Volcano Island.

Related Tags

Taal Volcano PHIVOLCS renato solidum
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