26 volcanic quakes recorded around Taal within 24-hr period –PHIVOLCS

A total of 26 volcanic earthquakes were recorded around the Taal Volcano area within a 24-hour observation period, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Wednesday morning.

In its Taal Volcano bulletin, PHIVOLCS said it also observed weak to moderate steaming or fumarolic activity rising 50 meters high before drifting northwest, southeast, and southwest coming from vents on the main crater, and from fissure along the Daang Kastila Trail.

Alert Level 1 (or abnormal) remained up over the volcano, the agency added. 

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) under Alert Level 1.

Likewise, it said that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), especially the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.

Moreover, the agency asked concerned local government units to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damage and road accessibility, and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest of the volcano.

People are also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall, and minor earthquakes.

PHIVOLCS also suggested pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazard to aircraft.

DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development. —LBG, GMA News