175 quakes recorded at Taal Volcano in past 24 hours; Alert Level 2 remains

A total of 175 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Saturday.

Of this number, 131 tremors lasted from one to 15 minutes.

PHIVOLCS said steam-laden plumes which rose as much as 100 meters high were also emitted by the volcano.

The sulfur dioxide emitted averaged 603 tonnes/day on Friday.

The last time the temperature in the main crater lake was measured was on March 4 and it read 71.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the pH level of 1.59 was last measured on Feb. 12 at the main crater lake.

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 2 (increased unrest) remains hoisted over Taal Volcano.

This means that steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur suddenly, as well as volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall, and accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas which could be lethal.

The institute reminded the public that Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone and is off limits.

It also advised local government units to continually assess their preparations to be ready in case of the volcano’s renewed unrest.

PHIVOLCS also advised pilots not to fly close to the volcano as ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. —KG, GMA News