By Ellalyn de Vera Ruiz Taal Volcano continued to manifest weak activity but remained under Alert Level 2 on Sunday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The main crater of the Taal Volcano
(Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN FILE) Based on its 24-hour monitoring report released on Sunday morning, Phivolcs noted that the Taal Volcano's main crater released weak steam-laden plumes rising 100 meters high that drifted southwest. The Taal Volcano Network also recorded 20 volcanic earthquakes that are associated with rock fracturing processes beneath and around the edifice. Alert Level 2, the second lowest in a five-step alert status, is maintained over Taal Volcano on Sunday. However, Phivolcs reminded the public that sudden steam-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, and ejection of ashfall or volcanic gas may still occur and affect areas in and near the Taal Volcano island. Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the permanent danger is strictly prohibited. The concerned local government units were advised to re-assess previously evacuated areas within the seven-kilometer radius for damages and road accessibilities. They were also recommended to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed volcanic unrest. The public should observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, frequent ashfall and minor earthquakes. Communities beside active river channels, especially those where ash from the main eruption phase has been thickly deposited, should increase vigilance when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall as the ash can be washed away and form lahars along the channels. Likewise, civil aviation authorities were asked to 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.