PHIVOLCS records 29 Taal Volcano quakes in past 24 hours

Twenty-nine volcanic earthquakes and 23 volcanic tremors were recorded at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Sunday.

In a bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the duration of the recent volcanic activities lasted from one to 12 minutes.

PHIVOLCS said six low-frequency volcanic earthquakes and low-level background tremors were also monitored since April 8.

Meanwhile, weak emissions of steam-laden plumes from fumaroles or gas vents in the main crater reaching up to 10 meters were observed. Sulfur dioxide emissions that averaged 1,051 tons per day were measured on Saturday.

An Alert Level 2 was maintained over Taal Volcano. This means that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfalls, and lethal accumulations or explosions of volcanic gas could occur and threaten areas within and around Taal Volcano Island.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that Taal Volcano Island was a permanent danger zone and is off-limits.

It advised local government units to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Civil aviation authorities were also urged to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft. — DVM, GMA News