Weak steam-laden plumes shoot out from Taal volcano
Published Feb 16, 2020 12:00 am
By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Taal Volcano emitted weak steam-laden plumes reaching 200 to 300 meters high, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In its latest volcano bulletin, Phivolcs said the plumes drifted southwest in the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs was not able to measure the level of sulfur dioxide on Saturday due to "below instrumental detection from weak volcanic plume activity." But sulfur dioxide emission was measured at an average of 53 tonnes on Sunday.
From 77 volcanic earthquakes the previous day, the Taal Volcano network recorded 69 volcanic earthquakes on Sunday that are associated to 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.
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 aircraft.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In its latest volcano bulletin, Phivolcs said the plumes drifted southwest in the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs was not able to measure the level of sulfur dioxide on Saturday due to "below instrumental detection from weak volcanic plume activity." But sulfur dioxide emission was measured at an average of 53 tonnes on Sunday.
From 77 volcanic earthquakes the previous day, the Taal Volcano network recorded 69 volcanic earthquakes on Sunday that are associated to 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.
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 aircraft.