PHIVOLCS closely monitoring Taal Volcano as quakes with rumbling sounds felt

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is closely monitoring the condition of Taal Volcano as some areas in Batangas felt earthquakes with rumbling sounds.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, PHIVOLCS said since the Alert Level 1 was raised in March, the Taal Volcano seismic network has recorded 4,857 volcanic earthquakes as of Sunday.

Taal Volcano (Batangas) Advisory issued at 8:00 AM December 01, 2019 pic.twitter.com/P7gdx1yQnl

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) December 1, 2019

Some of these earthquakes were felt with intensity ranging from Intensity I (Scarcely Perceptible) to Intensity III (Weak Shaking) in the following areas in Batangas:

• Brgy. Banyaga in Agoncillo
• Brgy. Calauit in Balete
• Sitio Tibag of Brgy. Pira-Piraso
• Sitio Tuuran of Brgy. Tabla
• Brgy. Buco in Talisay
• Brgy. Alas-as in San Nicolas
• Brgy. Pulangbato in San Nicolas

These felt earthquakes were often accompanied by rumbling sounds, PHIVOLCS said.

From November 21 to 29, the precise leveling (PL) measurements on Taal Volcano Island showed further inflation of the volcano edifice, consistent with the recent results from continuous GPS data.

An increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission has been observed inside its main crater starting around April of 2019.

However, there are no significant changes in the water temperature and acidity of the main crater lake.

Taal Volcano remained at Alert Level 1, which means that hazardous eruption is not imminent but there is a possibility of magmatic disturbance ongoing under the volcano.

Alert Level 2 will be raised when there is an increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes, higher concentration of gases, continuous inflation of the volcano’s edifice, increase in water temperature and widespread bubbling at the lake of the main crater.

PHIVOLCS reminds the public that the main crater is strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may happen and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.

The northern portion of the main crater rim near the Daang Kastila Trail may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures abruptly increases.

PHIVOLCS emphasized that the entire volcano island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and is not recommended for permanent settlement at all times. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News