PHIVOLCS: 19 volcanic tremors recorded in Taal Volcano

The Taal Volcano in Batangas recorded 19 volcanic tremors and a low-level background tremor in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Thursday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the volcanic tremors lasted two to five minutes.

Aside from these, Taal Volcano also generated 5,119 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Wednesday, August 17.

It also emitted voluminous plumes drifting northeast and reaching up to 1,500 meters high.

PHIVOLCS said there was a “slight inflation” of the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and Western Taal Caldera, while the Eastern Taal Caldera had a “deflation.”

It also said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 for showing low-level unrest.

Despite this, PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry into Taal Volcano Island, especially the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissures, is strictly prohibited.

Boating on Taal Lake and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are likewise not allowed.

PHIVOLCS further warned that hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash falls, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur at Taal Volcano.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA News