No volcanic quakes in Taal Volcano in past 24 hours, but Alert Level 3 remains —PHIVOLCS

Taal Volcano in Batangas did not have any volcanic earthquake in the past 24 hours, but Alert Level 3 remains in effect, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Monday.

Hot volcanic fluids continued upwelling the main crater in the past 24 hours, generating plumes 1,000 meters tall before drifting southwest, PHIVOLCS said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

"Wala pong ibinubugang abo ang Taal Volcano kundi usok lamang sa nakalipas na 24 oras. Puti po ang usok na lumalabas at wala namang pagyanig na naitala sa nakalipas na 24 na oras," PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge and Science Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. said in an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

(Taal Volcano has not emitted ash, but only plumes the past 24 hours. White smoke is coming out of the crater and no volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in the past 24 hours.)

On Sunday, the volcano emitted an average of 1,140 tonnes.

Two phreatomagmatic bursts — formed through the interaction of magma and water — were recorded on Sunday morning.

This was a day after a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst occurred on Saturday morning, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level from 2 to 3.

Solidum confirmed that there was ashfall on Taal Volcano Island and in Barangay Banyaga in the municipality of Agoncillo in Batangas on Saturday morning.

"Noong Sabado, ang ashfall mainly doon sa volcano island at crater. Later naibalita na sa Barangay Banyaga, Agoncillo, may kasamang basang abo na bumagsak sa kanila noong Sabado," he said.

(On Saturday, ashfall was reported mainly on Taal Volcano Island and the crater. Later it was reported that in Barangay Banyaga, Agoncillo, wet ash fell on Saturday.)

PHIVOLCS said the last time the main crater lake's temperature was measured was on February 25, and it was 63.7 degrees Celsius.

Alert Level 3 means "there is a magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions," PHIVOLCS said.

Magma activities

Solidum said the volcano's magma activities have yet to end.

"Ang pag-aalboroto ng Taal Volcano o pagkakaroon ng magma activities sa Taal Volcano ay magpapatuloy pa dahilan nang magmula noong nakaraang taon, ang magma ay nasa mababaw na parte at 'yan po ang nagdulot ng pagbuga ng maraming asupre at minsan-minsan ay pagsabog," he said.

(Taal Volcano's unrest or magma activities are continuing. This is because since last year, the magma is in the upper part of the volcano, and that is the cause of the sulfur dioxide emission and sometimes eruptions.)

Evacuation

PHIVOLCS reiterated that Taal Volcano Island — a permanent danger zone — and Barangays Bilibinwang and Banyaga in the muncipality of Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East in Laurel, Batangas should be evacuated "due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions subsequently occur."

"All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time," PHIVOLCS said.

It also advised lakeshore communities to be vigilant, take the necessary precautions against possible airborne ash and vog, and prepare for evacuation should volcanic activities intensify.

Likewise, PHIVOLCS advised against flying over Taal Volcano since airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may harm aircraft.

Almost 3,000 individuals were displaced from their homes after Alert Level 3 was raised over Taal Volcano, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.

The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office meanwhile puts the number at 4,000 individuals displaced, according to a report by Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.

Aside from the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel, there were also evacuees from Talisay, Balete and Cuenca.

Solidum said PHIVOLCS will observe the volcano's situation for two weeks and see if the alert level can be lowered. 

He advised the public to wear masks, if possible the N95 mask as it filters fine ash and sulfur dioxide.

"Kailangang magsuot ng masks ang ating mga kababayan. Kung posible, gamitin ang N95 mask sa kadahilanang ito pong mask na ito ang nagpe-prevent na ma-inhale po natin 'yung mga pinong abo at asupre. Kasi po ang pinong abo at asupre ay masama sa ating baga at 'yan po ay lalong makakasama sa baga lalo na kung tayo ay may sakit sa baga o kaya ay mga sakit sa puso," Solidum said.

(The public should wear face masks. If possible, use the N95 mask since this can prevent the inhalation of fine ash and sulfur dioxide. These are harmful to the lungs especially if one has lung or heart disease.) —KG, GMA News