Phivolcs: Two quakes felt near Taal Friday

At least two volcanic quakes were recorded near restive Taal Volcano in Batangas Friday night, but state volcanologists saw no need to raise Taal's alert level.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said one of the two quakes was felt at Intensity II in some villages near Taal.

"One of these events which occurred at 9:32 p.m. (Friday) was felt at Intensity II by residents in Barangays Tibag, Pira-Piraso and Alas-as located in the northwestern part of the volcano island," it said in its 8 a.m. Saturday update.

It added the quake was accompanied by rumbling sound.

However, it said the alert level at Taal remains at "1," meaning a "hazardous eruption is not imminent."

Still, it reminded the public the main crater is "strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate."

"The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly increases," it added.

Also, it reminded the public the entire volcano island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), "and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended."

Mayon still under alert level 1

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said Mayon Volcano's alert level remains at 1, with the seismic network not detecting any volcanic quake in the last 24 hours.

But it said moderate emission of white steam plumes drifting west-northwest, north-northwest, north-northeast and northeast was observed.

No crater glow was observed Friday night, it added.

Phivolcs said that while no magmatic eruption is imminent at present, the public should still refrain from entering the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) "due to the perennial life-threatening dangers of rockfalls, landslides/avalanches at the middle to upper slope, sudden ash puffs and steam-driven or phreatic eruptions from the summit."

"Active stream/river channels and those identified as perennially lahar-prone areas on all sectors of the volcano should also be avoided especially during extreme weather conditions when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," it added. - VVP, GMA News