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185 volcanic earthquakes recorded at Taal Volcano, Alert Level 3 still up
Taal Volcano continued showing unrest, and 185 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Monday.
Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) is still in effect over the volcano, PHIVOLCS said in its 8 a.m. bulletin. "Magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption," it added.
Included in the volcanic earthquakes are seven low frequency volcanic earthquakes, 176 volcanic tremor events lasting from one to 16 minutes, and low-level background tremor which has been there since July 7, according to Taal Volcano Network.
The volcano also continued degassing, with volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission averaging 6,421 tonnes/day on Sunday.
Steam-rich plumes rose to as high as 1,500 meters before these drifted southwest and west-northwest from the main crater.
BULKANG TAAL
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) July 12, 2021
Buod ng 24 oras na pagmamanman
12 Hulyo 2021 alas-5 ng umaga #TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/2zlEvOKUpd pic.twitter.com/MAKUW95q8q
PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano Island is deflating since April 21, and the Taal region is undergoing a very slow extension since 2020.
"The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as into the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur," it added.
PHIVOLCS also said all activities on Taal Lake should be prohibited.
It also advised lakeshore communities around Taal Lake to remain vigilant, take the necessary precautions against possible airborne ash and vog, and prepare for evacuation in case the volcano's unrest intensifies.
PHIVOLCS also advised pilots not to fly over Taal Volcano Island due to possible damage to aircraft from the airbone ash, ballistic fragments from sudden explosions, and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges. —KG, GMA News
