164 volcanic quakes around Taal recorded in last 24 hours —PHIVOLCS

At least 164 volcanic earthquakes and 67 tremors have been recorded in the past 24 hours around Taal Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 2, PHIVOLCS said Thursday.

In its latest Taal bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the volcanic activities lasted for one to two minutes from three hybrid events.

The latest number of volcanic earthquakes nearly tripled last Wednesday's  55 quakes, and with 44 tremors.

A weak emission of steam-laden plumes reaching up as high as 20 meters was observed from the main crater, PHIVOLCS said, adding that the volcano emitted around 605 tons of sulfur dioxide.

PHIVOLCS maintained other details from the previous bulletin.

Last March 4, the temperature in Taal Main Crater Lake was at 71.8 degrees Celsius, while the acidity level was at a pH of 1.59 on February 12.

Since the eruption in January 2020, PHIVOLCS has observed a slow and steady inflation as well as expansion of the Taal region.

Under Alert Level 2, PHIVOLCS reminded residents around the volcano area, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions is possible, as well as volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall, and accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas that could be lethal.

Also, it reiterated that the Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone (PDZ), which means no one is allowed to enter the area.

PHIVOLCS urged local governments to ensure adequate preparations are in place should the volcano show more renewed unrest.

It also said pilots must avoid flying close to Taal Volcano as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. —LBG, GMA News