17 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal Volcano, Alert Level 3 remains

Seventeen volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours as Alert Level 3 remains in effect, PHIVOLCS said Thursday.

Taal Volcano still emits high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2), which averaged 3,755 tonnes on Wednesday.

Steam-rich plumes reached as high as 1,800 meters before drifting southwest from the main crater.

Under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest), an explosive eruption could occur due to magma extruding from the main crater, PHIVOLCS said.

It reiterated its earlier advisory that Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and should be kept off limits.

Likewise, entry into high-risk barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel should be prohibited "due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur."

PHIVOLCS also said activities on Taal Lake "should not be allowed" due to the volcano's unrest. --KBK, GMA News