141 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal Volcano; Alert Level 2 remains

At least 141 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours as Alert Level 2 remains in effect, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Thursday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said these earthquakes include 121 tremors with durations from two to 30 minutes. Two earthquakes were felt at Intensity 2, it added.

“These events were accompanied by rumbling sounds as reported by residents of Barangays Banyaga and Bilibinwang, Agoncillo, Batangas,” it said.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission from the volcano averaged 3,004 tonnes on Wednesday.

Due to the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the lake, the main crater had 1,500-meters tall plumes that drifted to the northeast and southwest.

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano Island continues to deflate since April this year, and the Taal region has been undergoing a very slow extension since last year.

“Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) now prevails over Taal Volcano,” it added.

It means sudden steam or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the volcano island.

The entry must be strictly prohibited into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, PHIVOLCS recommended.

Occupancy and boating on Taal Lake should also be prohibited, it added.

PHIVOLCS advised local government officials to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft, it said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News