Following the recent volcanic activity of the Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that no destructive eruption is expected in Taal yet.
“So far, hindi tayo nage-expect ng mas delikadong pagsabog sa kasalukuyan kasi hindi masyadong naiipon ang volcanic gas na iniaakyat ng magma. Mas delikado kasi kapag naiipon at tumataas ang pressure (So far, we are not expecting a more dangerous eruption at present because the volcanic gas raised by the magma does not accumulate much. It is more dangerous when the pressure accumulates and rises),” said Science and Technology Undersecretary and Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. in an interview over DZRH on Sunday, Jan. 30.
The statement came after Phivolcs reported eight weak phreatomagmatic bursts at the main crater of Taal Volcano on Saturday evening, Jan. 29.
According to Solidum, gas bursts indicate that pressure exists in the volcanic gas released by magma in the shallow part of Taal Volcano’s Crater. He likewise reiterated that entry into the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) is prohibited.
“Inuulit po namin na huwag pumunta ang ating mga kababayan d’yan sa TVI kasi delikado ang pagkakaroon ng biglang paglabas ng gas dahil minsan ay may pagsabog na delikado sa isla (We reiterate that the public should not go to TVI because it is dangerous due to the sudden gas emissions and eruptions that may bring danger on the island),” said Solidum.
He added that no evacuations are necessary at this time and that Alert Level 2 remained hoisted in Taal. Under this level, sudden steam-driven or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and expulsions of volcanic gas may occur and threaten the areas within the TVI.
Meanwhile, in its latest bulletin issued as of 8 a.m., Phivolcs said that nine phreatomagmatic busts from the Taal Main Crater occurred between 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, and 4:49 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30.
Entry into TVI and Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the Daang Kastila fissure and extended stays on the Taal Lake, is strictly prohibited.