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171 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal Volcano, Alert Level 3 remains
Taal Volcano showed signs of continued unrest, with 171 volcanic earthquakes recorded by the Taal Volcano Network in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Tuesday.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect over the volcano, PHIVOLCS said.
The quakes included 13 low frequency volcanic earthquakes, 157 volcanic tremor events lasting from one to 97 minutes, and low-level background tremor which has been observed since July 7.
Taal Volcano's sulfur dioxide emission is still high at 6,134 tonnes on Monday, although this is slightly lower than Sunday's 6,421 tonnes.
Steam-rich plumes were observed rising from the main crater to as high as 1,500 meters before drifting southwest.
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 13, 2021
Buod ng 24 oras na pagmamanman
13 Hulyo 2021 alas-5 ng umaga #TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/PgjxJXeUht pic.twitter.com/ZBmFqaR2yT
Taal Volcano Island has been deflating since April 21, PHIVOLCS said.
Meanwhile, the Taal region is undergoing "very slow extension since 2020."
Under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest), an explosive eruption may occur due to magma extruding from the main crater, PHIVOLCS said.
It reiterated its advisory to bar entry into Taal Volcano Island as it is a Permanent Danger Zone.
Likewise, entry into high-risk barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel should be prohibited, PHIVOLCS said, "due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur."
"All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time," PHIVOLCS said.
Lakeshore communities around Taal Lake were also advised to be vigilant, take the necessary precautions against possible airborne ash and vog, and prepare for evacuation should the volcano show signs of more intensified unrest.
Pilots should avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island due to the possibility of airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges damaging aircraft. —KG/BM, GMA News
