Taal Volcano's sulfur dioxide emission increases

The sulfur dioxide emission from Taal Volcano has increased while its seismic activity continued, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Saturday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said sulfur dioxide released by Taal Volcano increased to an average of 409 tonnes per day — higher than Friday's average of 224 tonnes per day.

The latest figure, however, is still significantly lower compared to the average of 5,299 tonnes daily, which was recorded on January 13, a day after Taal Volcano awakened.

https://t.co/KPP0NDHXYv pic.twitter.com/DXd8fLEc7O

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 25, 2020

On the other hand, only six volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) from 5 a.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Saturday. The seismic activity was "registered at magnitudes M1.5-M2.3 with no felt event."

This brings the total recorded volcanic earthquakes by the PSN to 744 since Taal Volcano's initial eruption on January 12, 1 p.m.

"One hundred seventy-six (176) of these registered at magnitudes M1.2-M4.1 and were felt at Intensities I-V," PHIVOLCS said.

Meanwhile, the Taal Volcano Network,  which can record small earthquakes undetectable by the PSN, recorded 420 volcanic earthquakes including 11 low-frequency earthquakes in the past 24 hours.

"Seismic activity likely signifies magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice that may lead to eruptive activity," PHVOLCS said.

Activity in the main crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by weak to moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes 100 to 800 meters high from the main crater that drifted southwest, the PHIVOLCS said.

WATCH: It’s foggy and overcast in Tagaytay overlooking Taal Volcano. This is Day 14 of our volcano watch. | via @raffytima pic.twitter.com/hGzI29JaWk

— GMA News (@gmanews) January 25, 2020

Alert Level 4 still up

Alert Level 4 still remains in effect over Taal Volcano, PHIVOLCS said, adding that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days.

"DOST-PHIVOLCS recommends total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within the 14-km radius from Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed," it said.

Citing PAGASA's wind forecast, PHIVOLCS said if the eruption plume remains below five kilometers, ash will be drifted to the municipalities west and northwest of the main crater.

However, if a major eruption occurs during the day and the eruption column exceeds seven kilometers, PHIVOLCS said ash will also be drifted over the western parts of Laguna and Quezon provinces.

"Residents around the volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall," it said.

Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid the airspace around Taal Volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft, it added. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News