41 volcanic quakes recorded in Taal Volcano in 24 hours; Alert Level 2 still up

Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano in Batangas on Thursday morning as it continued to show increased unrest, according to PHIVOLCS.

Forty-two volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, which include tremors with durations of one to seven minutes, it said in its latest bulletin.

The main crater showed weak emission of steam-laden plumes reaching as high as 5 meters being emitted from vents.

Based on the last measurements taken, the temperature of the lake in the main crater went up to as high as 71.8°C on March 4 and the pH level reached 1.59 on Feb. 12.

"Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR data analysis indicated a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region since after the January 2020 eruption," PHIVOLCS said.

"These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice," it added.

The institute reminded the public that entry is strictly prohibited on Taal Volcano Island as sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.

PHIVOLCS also advised local government units to assess and strengthen their preparedness of barangays around the Taal Lake, which were previously evacuated should the volcano show renewed unrest.

It also advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano since ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. —KBK, GMA News