Alert Level 3 remains over Taal Volcano, 48 volcanic quakes recorded in 24 hours

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Saturday maintained Alert Level 3 over Taal Volcano after recording 48 volcanic earthquakes since 5 a.m. yesterday.

In its daily bulletin, PHIVOLCS said it monitored high-level activities of the volcano including three phreatomagmatic eruptions since Friday morning.

An average of 10,254 tonnes per day sulfur dioxide emission was measured on July 2.

The latest data of Taal Volcano’s temperature was 71.8º Celsius taken last March 4 while the pH level of 1.59 was recorded last February 12.

PHIVOLCS reiterated that Taal Volcano Island should be kept off limits and entry to high-risk barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel should be barred.

It also prohibited fishing activities in Taal Lake.

PHIVOLCS advised pilots to avoid flying near the volcano as it warns of sudden eruption, pyroclastic density currents or base surge, volcanic tsunami, ashfall, and emission of poisonous gas.

In an interview with Dobol B TV, Paolo Reniva, resident volcanologist at the Taal Volcano Observatory, said Alert Level 3 may be raised to Alert Level 4 if PHIVOLCS monitored high-intensity eruption and swelling of Taal’s main crater.

Reniva reiterated that activities within the Taal Volcano Island should be prohibited, saying it will depend on the local government units whether they will issue waivers for residents who wish to go back to their residences amid the continuous unrest of the volcano.

“Bilang precaution at preemptive measure nirerekomenda na huwag muna po pumunta sa volcano island. Pero kung may waiver naman po responsibilidad at depende na po 'yun sa aksyon ng mga LGUs kasi may mga aquaculture nga po rito so iniisip rin po nila yon,” he said.

(As a precaution and preemptive measure, we recommend not to go back to the volcano island yet but if they issue waivers for the residents then it will be the responsibility of the LGUs. Of course, there are aquaculture there so they are also concerned with their harvests.) —KG, GMA News