By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz Taal Volcano’s monitoring network has recorded 29 earthquakes associated with rock fracturing beneath and around its edifice within 24 hours. Based on the monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) from Saturday until Sunday, activity in the Taal Volcano’s main crater has been manifested by weak emission of steam-laden plumes that rose 50 meters high then drifted northeast (PNA photo by Joey Razon / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Alert Level 2, the second-lowest in a five-step alert status, is maintained over Taal Volcano. 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 zone 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 aircrafts.