Taal Volcano still emits steam as Alert Level 2 remains

Steam continues to rise from Taal Volcano's main crater as Alert Level 2 remains hoisted, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said on Saturday.

Over the past 24 hours, the volcano had weak emission of steam-laden plumes which rose to as much as 100 meters high before they drifted in a southwest direction, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.

As for sulfur dioxide, the amount emitted by the volcano could not be detected by instruments.

A total of 77 volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Taal Volcano Network.

Such earthquakes mean magma continues to move beneath the volcano, which may lead to an eruption at the main crater, PHIVOLCS said.

The agency reminded the public that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur under Alert Level 2.

PHIVOLCS also reminded that Taal Volcano Island is within the permanent danger zone and must be kept off-limits.

It also asked local government units to assess previously evacuated areas within the seven-kilometer radius from the crater for damage and road conditions.

PHIVOLCS also advised the public to take the necessary precautions against ground fissures, ashfall and minor earthquakes.

"Communities beside active river channels particularly where ash from the main eruption phase has been thickly deposited should increase vigilance when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall since the ash can be washed away and form lahars along the channels," it said.

PHIVOLCS also reminded pilots not to fly close to Taal Volcano as ash and ballistic fragments may damage aircraft. —KG, GMA News