158 volcanic quakes reported at Taal Volcano –PHIVOLCS

One hundred fifty-eight volcanic earthquakes were documented at Taal Volcano in Batangas in the last 24 hours, PHIVOLCS said in a Tuesday bulletin.

Of the 158 volcanic earthquakes, 127 were "volcanic tremor" episodes with durations of one to 14 minutes, and 31 were low-frequency tremors.

Sulfur dioxide emissions were also recorded at the main crater of the volcano which reached 1,886 tonnes a day.

"Activity at the Main Crater consisted of very weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose five (5) meters," PHIVOLCS also said.

Taal Volcano is currently under an Alert Level 2 or Increased Unrest, which means sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfalls, and lethal expulsions of volcanic gas may occur and threaten nearby areas.

PHIVOLCS warned that it was prohibited to enter the "Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake." — DVM, GMA News