Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Phivolcs may raise Taal Volcano's alert level if current activity worsens
Philippines
National
Phivolcs may raise Taal Volcano's alert level if current activity worsens
Phivolcs may raise Taal Volcano's alert level if current activity worsens
Published Jul 13, 2023 02:26 am
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday, July 13 that it is considering raising the Taal Volcano’s alert level from 1 to 2 if the restive volcano’s activity worsens.
Phivolcs made the announcement after detecting a series of shallow tremors and an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions in recent weeks.
“Beginning at 6:09 a.m., July 13, a series of seven significant but shallow tremors were recorded by all 15 seismic stations of the Taal Volcano Network. Most of the events originated southeast of Taal Volcano Island or TVI,” it said in its advisory.
It also noticed an increase in the thermal signatures of Taal Main Crater.
Taal Volcano in Batangas (Juan Carlo de Vela/Manila Bulletin)
“Volcanic SO2 emissions in the past two weeks have been elevated, averaging 5,866 tons per day with a peak of 9,623 tons per day recorded on July 6, while upwelling of volcanic fluids in Taal Main Crater lake has been frequently detected. Electronic tilt stations have been recording inflation of the northern flank of TVI since May 2023,” it added. Based on the Taal Volcano’s observed parameters, Phivolcs said there is currently a “shallow hydrothermal activity driven by a new phase of magma degassing at depth” taking place. “Should current low-level activity worsen or pronounced changes in monitored parameters forewarn of increasing unrest, the Alert Level may be raised to Alert Level 2,” Phivolcs said.
Taal Volcano in Batangas (Juan Carlo de Vela/Manila Bulletin)
“Volcanic SO2 emissions in the past two weeks have been elevated, averaging 5,866 tons per day with a peak of 9,623 tons per day recorded on July 6, while upwelling of volcanic fluids in Taal Main Crater lake has been frequently detected. Electronic tilt stations have been recording inflation of the northern flank of TVI since May 2023,” it added. Based on the Taal Volcano’s observed parameters, Phivolcs said there is currently a “shallow hydrothermal activity driven by a new phase of magma degassing at depth” taking place. “Should current low-level activity worsen or pronounced changes in monitored parameters forewarn of increasing unrest, the Alert Level may be raised to Alert Level 2,” Phivolcs said.
Alert Level 1 still in effect
Phivolcs said the active volcano is still on alert level 1, which means it is experiencing “low-level unrest” and that it “should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.” It noted that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas are possible, which may threaten areas within the TVI. Phivolcs reminded the public not to enter the TVI—Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly around the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. Local government units and communities near Taal Lake were also advised to remain vigilant and prepared in the event of further unrest. Phivolcs also asked civil aviation authorities to request that pilots avoid flying close to the volcano due to the risk of airborne ash, ballistic fragments from sudden explosions, and wind-remobilized ash.