Taal Volcano experienced a tremor that lasted 10 hours and 30 minutes, based on the 24-hour monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) from 12 a.m., Oct. 12 to 12 a.m., Oct. 13.
However, Phivolcs said Taal Volcano’s activity is still classified as “low-level unrest” therefore maintaining Alert Level 1.
A “moderate” emission of volcanic gases in the past 24 hours generated a plume reaching 900 meters before drifting southwest and west-southwest.
Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions were relatively low, totaling just 1,256 tons.
Alert Level 1 is maintained due to possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas that could threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Phivolcs warned that the ongoing degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 continues to pose significant long-term health risks to communities surrounding Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to these gases.
It strongly advised against entering TVI, which is Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly near the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
Local government units are also encouraged to monitor their communities’ preparedness and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with long-term degassing and related phreatic activity.