PHIVOLCS: 14 volcanic earthquakes recorded over Taal

#BantayBulkan: 14 na volcanic earthquakes kabilang ang 4 na volcanic tremors, naitala sa Bulkang Taal sa nakalipas na 24 oras. | via @phivolcs_dost pic.twitter.com/yRjo6RpsNA

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 24, 2024

A total of 14 volcanic earthquakes including four tremors were observed in Taal Volcano on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Wednesday.

In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the earthquakes lasted for two to three minutes.

A long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera as well as a short-term inflation of the general northern and southeastern flanks of theTaal Volcano Island were also monitored.

The volcano emitted 3,504 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on April 22 amid the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake.

A weak emission of plumes of up to 600 meters tall drifted southwest and west northwest from Taal Volcano, according to PHIVOLCS.

In the past weeks, Taal Volcano had several phreatic eruptions.

Alert Level 1 is maintained over the volcano, which means it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.

Under this alert level, the possible hazards are sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

These hazards may threaten areas within the volcano island.

PHIVOLCS also warned the communities around Taal Caldera about potential long-term health impacts of frequent exposure to high concentrations of volcanic SO2.

The agency prohibited the entry into the Taal Volcano Island, permanent danger zone or PDZ, especially the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Local governments should monitor and assess preparedness of their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate the hazards.

Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft, PHIVOLCS said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News