Volcanic quakes a sign of continued magma movement, likely eruption

The consistent volcanic earthquakes recorded at Taal Volcano signified continuous magma intrusion which may lead to an explosive eruption, PHIVOLCS said Friday.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said 19 volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network between 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Meanwhile, a total of five discrete weak explosions were recorded.

From its eruption on Sunday, the Philippine Seismic Network has plotted a total of 653 volcanic earthquakes.  Of the number, 174 were felt with intensities ranging from Intensity I to V.

According to the bulletin, the Taal's volcanic activity has been generally characterized by the weak emission of 800-meter steam-laden plumes from the Taal's main crater, which drifted to the general southwest.

Alert level number 4 is still raised over the volcano due to possible hazardous explosive eruption within hours or days.

PHIVOLCS reiterated the total evacuation of the Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas identified in the 14-kilometer radius from the Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River.

It also advised residents to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall.

PHIVOLCS further and called on civil aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid the airspace around Taal due to airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column.

A total of 17,555 families or 77,438 people were recorded to have been affected in Batangas, Laguna, and Cavite while a total of 15,047 families or 66,262 people were taken to temporary shelters in 283 evacuation centers. —NB, GMA News