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Taal activity intensifies, 16 volcanic quakes recorded


Volcanic activity continued to intensify at restive Taal Volcano in Batangas with at least 16 volcanic quakes recorded in the last 24 hours, state volcanologists said Friday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also noted an increase in water temperature at the Main Crater Lake from 29.8 to 30.1 degrees Celsius. In its 7 a.m. Friday update, Phivolcs also said gas measurements at Taal's Main Crater Lake still showed a large increase in carbon dioxide emission compared to January and February. January and February's emission values were 2,250 and 1,875 tons/day, but the levels shot up to 4,670 tons per day in March. "This large increase in carbon dioxide concentration indicates gas release from the magma at depth," it said. Phivolcs said Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, resulting in increased seismic activity. It maintained its advice to the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits. "Sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate (in those areas)," it said. "Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation," it added. Also, Phivolcs reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Mayon At Mayon Volcano in Albay, Phivolcs said the seismic network recorded one volcanic earthquake during the past 24 hours. "Steaming was observed to be weak, white and creeping down slope towards the west southwest. Crater glow was observed at Intensity II (Thursday) night," Phivolcs said. It said Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano. "Although this means that no eruption is imminent, it is recommended that the public should not enter the 6-km radius PDZ due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano," it said. Phivolcs also said active stream/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. Bulusan quiet Meanwhile, Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon was relatively quiet, with Phivolcs not recording any volcanic quake in the last 24 hours. But it noted "wispy to weak" steaming activity at the southeast vents, even as the northwest and active crater vents were cloud-covered. Phivolcs said Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1. "Entry to the 4-km radius PDZ is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ash falls," it said. — LBG, GMA News

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