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Taal Volcano continues emitting steam-rich plumes, high levels of sulfur dioxide
Taal Volcano in Batangas continued emitting steam-rich plumes and high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide as Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) remains in effect on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.
The plumes reached up to 1,000 meters before they drifted west-northwest and southwest from the main crater, PHIVOLCS said.
The volcano's sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission averaged 6,488 tonnes/day on Saturday.
Seventy-four volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Taal Volcano Network in the past 24 hours. Of this number, 13 are low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and 61 are volcanic tremor events lasting from one to 25 minutes.
The Taal Volcano Network also said there was low-level background tremor which has been there since July 7.
PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano Island has started deflating in April this year.
Meanwhile, the Taal region has been undergoing "a very slow extension since 2020."
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 11, 2021
Buod ng 24 oras na pagmamanman
11 Hulyo 2021 alas-5 ng umaga #TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/PE0xY4Rnwd pic.twitter.com/jMjg8bfIb3
PHIVOLCS said "at Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption."
It reiterated that people should keep off Taal Volcano Island as it is a Permanent Danger Zone.
Likewise, some barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel are at risk for pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur, and thus entry into these areas should be prohibited.
PHIVOLCS also issued a reminder that all activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed.
"Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify," PHIVOLCS said.
It also cautioned pilots against flying over Taal Volcano to avoid damage to aircraft.
Taal Volcano erupted on July 1, emitting a kilometer-high phreatomagmatic plume. PHIVOLCS then raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3 as the volcano showed signs of continued magmatic unrest. —KG, GMA News
