Taal Volcano tremor lasted 165 hours, still on alert level 1
Published Jun 9, 2023 03:03 am
The volcanic tremor in Taal lasted 165 hours and 55 minutes from June 2 to June 9, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
But despite showing signs of unrest, Phivolcs said the active volcano in Batangas is still on alert level 1.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin issued on Friday, June 9, Phivolcs observed voluminous steam-rich plumes that rose 3,000 meters above the volcano island generated by the upwelling of volcanic fluids in the main crater lake.
Taal’s degassing also caused significant volcanic smog or “vog” over the volcano’s surrounding areas.
Phivolcs said Taal Volcano’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 2,941 tons per day when it was last measured on June 8.
Vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2, which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities, depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure.
In an advisory issued on June 7, Phivolcs recommended limiting exposure to these risks for those who might be especially sensitive to vog, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with health conditions like asthma, lung disease, and heart disease.
It also advised residents in Taal Volcano’s surrounding communities to avoid outdoor activities, stay indoors, and close their doors and windows to block out vog.
“Cover your nose, ideally with an N95 facemask. Drink plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction. If belonging to the particularly sensitive group of people above, watch over yourself and seek help from a doctor or the barangay health unit if needed, especially if serious effects are experienced,” it added.
Furthermore, Phivolcs warned of the possibility of acid rain brought on by periods of rainfall and volcanic gas emission over areas where the plume disperses, which could damage crops and corrode metal roofs.
Taal Volcano in Batangas (Pixabay)
Taal Volcano in Batangas (Pixabay)
Alert level 1 stays
Phivolcs said the active volcano is still on alert level 1, which means it is experiencing “low-level unrest.” “Should an uptrend or pronounced change in monitored parameters forewarn of renewed unrest, the Alert Level may be raised back to Alert Level 2,” Phivolcs said. At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas are possible, threatening areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI), Phivolcs said. It was recommended that entry into TVI—Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, be strictly prohibited. Similarly, boating in Taal Lake is strictly prohibited. Phivolcs advised civil aviation authorities to request that pilots refrain from flying close to the volcano because airborne ash, ballistic fragments from sudden explosions, and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.