Persistent quakes, lava fountain mean Taal Volcano not yet done —PHIVOLCS

Taal Volcano’s activity is not yet done based on the persistent earthquakes and lava fountain observed in the area, the state volcanology bureau said on Monday.

According to a report by Mark Salazar on Balitanghali, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said these signs mean that the magma is rising.

The volcano spewed lava fountains in the early hours of Monday, while the area has recorded 75 volcanic earthquakes as of 5 a.m.

PHIVOLCS made the statement during a meeting with other agencies including Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and weather bureau PAGASA.

During the meeting, PAGASA said that the wind direction will change in three days, bringing ash fall to Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.

In Metro Manila, the ash particles suspended in the air will eventually fall, it added.

PAGASA also recommended that classes be suspended in southern parts of Metro Manila including Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, and Las Piñas, in light of the ash fall.

The Manila government also vowed to prosecute people who sell overpriced N95 mask, a protection gear from breathing in hazardous substance.

According to the MMDA, they already have distributed around 3,000 N95 masks in Metro Manila.

PHIVOLCS has raised Alert Level 4 over the Taal Volcano after a phreatic eruption took place at the crater on Sunday. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News