Taal Volcano's upwelling of hot volcanic fluids continues, 6 tremors recorded

The upwelling of hot volcanic liquids in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano in Batangas continues, and six volcanic tremors were recorded in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Saturday.

The said tremors lasted three to seven minutes long, PHIVOLCS said.

Low-level background tremor incidents were also recorded.

Voluminous plumes rising up to 3,000 meters tall were also observed. These drifted north, northeast, and southwest.

PHIVOLCS also said the volcano emitted 13,572 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on August 11.

Volcanic smog or vog was also observed.

Vog consists of droplets containing volcanic gas such as sulfur dioxide which is acidic and can cause “irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract in severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure,” PHIVOLCS earlier said. 

PHIVOLCS on Saturday said Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest) remains in effect in Taal Volcano.

In an interview on Dobol B TV on Saturday, Science and Techonology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said they have not seen evidence yet that Taal Volcano will erupt soon.

The increase in the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted in recent days was not accompanied by many volcanic earthquakes or tremors, he said.

"So far, wala tayong nakikitang pag-akyat ng bagong magma mula sa ilalim. Kung meron mang initial explosions diyan sa Taal ay maliliit lamang," Solidum said.

(So far we have not observed the upward movement of new magma from below. If there are initial explosions at Taal, these are minor ones.)

"Kailangang umakyat ng [alert leve] 3 hanggang 4 para masabi nating talagang nandiyan na ang posibilidad ng mapanganib," he added.

(The alert level has to reach 3 or 4 for us to say that there is a possibility of danger.)

PHIVOLCS also reminded the public that Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone and entry is prohibited, especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

Likewise, occupancy and boating on Taal Lake is not allowed, PHIVOLCS said.

It also said flying aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed as this may be hazardous.

PHIVOLCS said hazards such as the following may occur: steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas. —KG, GMA News