36 volcanic quakes recorded in Taal Volcano; Alert Level 3 remains —PHIVOLCS

Thirty-six volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours in Taal Volcano in Batangas, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Saturday.

In its bulletin issued Saturday morning, PHIVOLCS said there was also upwelling of hot volcanic fluids at the main crater lake, which led to plumes rising 900 meters tall before these drifted southwest.

The volcano emitted an average of 2,451 tonnes on Friday, PHIVOLCS Sid.

Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) remains in effect, it added.

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

The agency reiterated that Taal Volcano Island—a permanent danger zone— and Barangays Bilibinwang and Banyaga in Agoncillo, and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East in Laurel in 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 the volcano show signs of intensified unrest.

PHIVOLCS also reiterated that flying over Taal Volcano Island is hazardous to aircraft. —KG, GMA News