Volcanic quakes near Taal Volcano increased over the past 12 hours, PHIVOLCS says

The number of volcanic earthquakes recorded near Taal Volcano has increased over the last 12 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noted Sunday morning, a week after its initial eruption.

In a Dobol B sa News TV interview, PHIVOLCS supervising science research specialist Wincelle Sevilla said that as of 5 a.m. on Sunday, the Taal Volcanic Seismic Network has recorded a total of 787 volcanic earthquakes near Taal Volcano over the last 24 hours — more than the recorded 366 volcanic earthquakes from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Sevilla, however, noted that earthquakes that are actually felt near the volcano are generally decreasing, with just one — an Intensity I jolt — recorded over the last 24 hours.

"Magmula kahapon, 5 a.m. ng January 18 hanggang 5 a.m. today, nakapagtala 'yung ating Philippine Seismic Network ng 25 volcanic earthquakes. So medyo may konting pagbaba sa bilang pero kaunti lang ito. Kung susumahin natin, marami pa ring volcanic earthquakes tayong nare-record," he said.

Sevilla pointed out that the Taal Volcanic Seismic Network recorded a higher number of earthquakes because of its proximity from Taal Volcano.

"Ito 'yung mga pinagkakabit nating instrumentong mas malapit sa bulkan kaya kaya niyang sukatin kahit 'yung mga maliliit na volcanic earthquake. Nakapag-record tayo ng 787 na volcanic earthquake. Kaya mas malaki 'yung bilang nito kasi malalapit na ang instrumentong ito sa bulkan," he said.

In its Taal Volcano Bulletin issued on Sunday at 8 a.m., PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 4 is still in effect, with a hazardous explosive eruption possible within hours to days.

Taal Volcano Bulletin: 19 January 2020, 8:00 A.M. - Alert Level 4 still remains in effect over #TaalVolcano (since 7:30 PM, January 12, 2020). #TaalEruption2020 #HandaAngMayAlam pic.twitter.com/TeZ79VbNZ3

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 19, 2020

The main crater had steady steam emission and infrequent weak explosions in the past 24 hours, it said.

PHIVOLCS recorded white and dirty ash plumes from the Taal Volcano main crater with a length of up to 1 kilometer, though it has averaged to 500 meters to 1 kilometer since Saturday, Sevilla said.

The ash was dispersed southwest of the main crater.

Sulfur dioxide emissions, meanwhile, have remained at 1,442 tonnes per day, he added.

Sevilla advised residents of the Volcanic Island not to return to their homes yet, saying that there may be a hazardous explosion anytime.

PHIVOLCS also reiterated the need for a total evacuation of high-risk areas identified in hazard maps as falling within the 14-km radius from the main crater of Taal Volcano and along the Pasipit River Valley.

Residents were also advised to take the necessary precautions against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall.

"Based on PAGASA wind forecast, if the eruption plume remains below five (5) km, ash will be drifted to south and southwest of the Main Crater; however, if a major eruption occurs during the day and eruption column exceeds 5 km, ash will also be drifted to the eastern and northeastern sectors and may fall on portions of Batangas, Laguna and Quezon," PHIVOLCS said.

It also reiterated its advisory to civil aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid the airspace around Taal Volcano to prevent damage to aircraft. 

Assistance

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday morning said Taal evacuees have been given P17,227,950.61 worth of assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and local government units.

In its situational report, the NDRRMC said 22,472 families or 96,061 people have been affected so far in Batangas, Laguna and Cavite by Taal Volcano's activity.

Of this number, 16,174 families or 70,413 people are staying temporarily in 300 evacuation centers. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News