4 volcanic quakes recorded as Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Taal Volcano —PHIVOLCS

A total of four volcanic tremor events were observed in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Wednesday.

In its report of its observation from 5 a.m. on Tuesday to 5. a.m. Wednesday, PHIVOLCS said volcanic earthquakes lasted two to five minutes with low level background tremor.

The volcano emitted 4,474 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, it added.

According to PHIVOLCS, the plume coming from the volcano rose up to 1,500 meters before drifting southwest and northwest.

PHIVOLCS warned of possible hazards including sudden explosive eruption, pyroclastic density currents or base surge, volcanic tsunami, ashfall, and accumulation of lethal volcanic gas.

On Tuesday, PHIVOLCS chief Renato Solidum Jr. said Taal Volcano may be downgraded to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) within the next two weeks if the situation further improves.

However, he added that PHIVOLCS is ready should Alert Level 4 (hazardous eruption imminent) be hoisted over Taal.

PHIVOLCS raised Alert Level 3 over Taal on Saturday, signifying magmatic unrest, following "a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst."

As of Tuesday, more than 5,800 people have been evacuated from their homes due to the activity of Taal, the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News