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Phivolcs: 7 quakes recorded at Taal Volcano in last 24 hours


Taal Volcano showed signs of activity as state volcanologists recorded seven quakes there in the last 24 hours. In its Friday update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said two of the quakes occurred Thursday night. "Two of these events which occurred at 6:34 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Thursday) were felt at Intensity II by residents in Barangay Calauit in the southeastern part of the Volcano Island," it said. Phivolcs had recorded only one volcanic quake in the area in the previous 24 hours. But Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano. "This means that hazardous eruption is not imminent. The public, however, is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate," it said. It added the northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly increases. Also, it reminded the public that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended. 3 quakes at Bulusan Phivolcs, meanwhile, said three volcanic quakes were recorded at Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon in the last 24 hours. Wispy to weak steaming was observed on the summit crater and thermal vents known, it added. Alert Level 1 remains over Bulusan Volcano, meaning current volcanic activity is driven by shallow, hydrothermal processes. Entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to sudden steam and ash eruptions. Residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ash fall from sudden eruptions. "Civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejecta from sudden eruptions may be hazardous to aircraft. If possible, aircraft should avoid airspace west of the volcano as volcanic ash is likely to be dispersed in this direction by prevailing winds," Phivolcs said. It added people living within valleys and along river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. 1 quake in Mayon Mayon Volcano in Albay remained relatively quiet, with only one volcanic quake recorded in the last 24 hours. Weak white steam drifted north-northwest and north-northeast from the crater during cloud breaks, while a fair crater glow (Intensity II) was observed Thursday night. Mayon Volcano’s alert status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning no eruption is imminent, but the public should refrain from entering the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the threat of sudden steam-driven eruptions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. Active stream/river channels and those identified as perennially lahar prone areas on all sectors of the volcano should also be avoided especially during bad weather condition or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall, Phivolcs said. — LBG, GMA News

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