Phivolcs: Taal Volcano shows increased activity

Taal Volcano in Batangas showed heightened activity anew after at least 10 volcanic quakes around it were recorded in the last 24 hours. In its 8 a.m. Wednesday bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the alert level at Taal remains at "1." "Taal Volcano's status at Alert Level 1 means that a hazardous eruption is not imminent. However, the public is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits due to sudden occurrence of steam explosions and accumulation of toxic gases," it said. Phivolcs said the northern rim of the Volcano’s main crater – in the vicinity of Daang Kastila trail – may also be dangerous when increased steam emission is reactivated along existing fissures. Phivolcs reminded the public that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Bulusan, Mayon relatively quiet Meanwhile, the Bulusan Volcano in Sorosgon and Mayon Volcano in Albay were relatively quiet, as no volcanic quakes were recorded there in the last 24 hours. But Phivolcs said the alert levels at the two volcanos remain at "1." "Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1. This means that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. No entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strongly advised, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions," Phivolcs said. It also said that due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of Bulusan are reminded to take precautions against ash falls. Civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft, it added. On the other hand, Phivolcs reminded people near Mayon not to enter 6-km PDZ due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. "Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," Phivolcs said. - LBG/KBK, GMANews.TV