2 volcanic quakes felt in Batangas town as Alert Level 2 remains over Taal

Two volcanic earthquakes were felt in Agoncillo, Batangas on Monday night as Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Based on a bulletin PHIVOLCS released at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the Taal Volcano Network recorded 45 volcanic earthquakes that were "associated with magmatic processes beneath the edifice" in the past 24 hours.

Two of these were felt at Intensity I by residents of Barangay Bilibinwang at 7:37 p.m. and 7:51 p.m., PHIVOLCS said.

Weak emission of steam-laden plumes—50 to 100 meters high—were observed in Taal Volcano's main crater. The plumes drifted northeast.

The alert status in Taal Volcano has been lowered by PHIVOLCS almost two weeks ago after parameters showed decreased unrest since its initial eruption on January 12.

TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
25 February 2020
8:00 A.M.#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/YvpCyrk1vF pic.twitter.com/kqaIFyYY4I

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

PHIVOLCS reminded that the Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone, shall remain off-limits.

"Local government units are advised to additionally assess previously evacuated areas within the seven-kilometer radius for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest," it said.

Those living beside active river channels with thick deposits of volcanic ash from Taal's previous eruption were advised to be vigilant for possible lahars when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Aircraft must also avoid flying close to the volcano due to hazards that may be posed by airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash, it added. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News