Taal Volcano activity possible to take a long time — Solidum

With Alert Level 3 raised over Taal, the activity in the volcano is possible to take a long time, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

On Tuesday, PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum Jr. said that even Mayon Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 2, has been showing signs of activity for a long time.

“Sa kasalukuyan kasi, kapag ganyang mga alerto, pwedeng magtagal pa,” Solidum said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

“Sa Mayon nga, ang mga alert level matagal bumaba. Maraming kakaibang ipinapakita pa habang nag-re-recharge, habang umaakyat ulit yung magma sa tuktok ng Mayon,” he added.

However, Solidum said that if Taal Volcano will show continuous less activity, PHIVOLCS will lower the alert status.

As of Tuesday, there had been no more trace of sulfur dioxide released from the volcano.  

The Taal Volcano Network recorded 92 volcanic earthquakes including four low-frequency ones in the past 24 hours, which means magma and gases are moving toward the surface.

At Alert Level 3 raised over Taal, PHIVOLCS warns the public that hazards still threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island and nearby lakeshores.

On Sunday, PHIVOLCS downgraded the alert status of Taal from Level 4 to Level 3, two weeks after the volcano's initial eruption on January 12 that sent thousands of families fleeing their homes.

On Monday, the total lockdown on Batangas towns Laurel and Agoncillo were lifted following the lowered alert status.

However, the residents in six barangays within the seven-kilometer radius danger zone including Bilibinwang, Subic Ilaya, and Banyaga in Agoncillo; and Gulod, Buso-buso, and Bugaan in Laurel, are still not allowed to return home. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News