Steam-laden plumes continue to rise from Taal Volcano main crater

Taal Volcano's main crater continued to have weak emission of steam-laden plumes in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said on Monday.

The said plumes were observed to rise 20 to 50 meters high before these drifted in a southwest direction, PHIVOLCS said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

An average of 116 tonnes/day of sulfur dioxide emission was also recorded on Saturday, Feb. 8.

A total of 77 volcanic earthquakes meanwhile were plotted by the Taal Volcano Network. Of this number, 11 were harmonic tremors lasting from one to four minutes.

Such earthquakes mean magma is still rising from beneath the Taal edifice to the main crater, PHIVOLCS said.

Alert Level 3 is still in effect on Monday.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the volcano may still have sudden steam-driven and weak phreatomagmatic explosions and cause volcanic earthquakes, ashfall and lethal volcanic gas expulsions.

It added that Taal Volcano island and areas within a seven-kilometer radius from the main crater west of the said island should be off-limits.

PHIVOLCS also advised local government units to assess their areas for damage and road accessibilities, and to ensure preparedness should the volcano exhibit any renewed unrest.

The agency also advised residents to take the necessary precautions due to fissures, ashfall and earthquakes.

PHIVOLCS also again reminded pilots not to fly close to the volcano since aircraft may be damaged by ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions. —KG, GMA News