Taal Volcano still at Alert Level 3, six volcanic earthquakes recorded

Six volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, and Alert Level 3 remains in effect, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Wednesday.

Taal Volcano still emits high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2), which averaged 4,184 tonnes on Tuesday.

Steam-rich plumes reached as high as 1,500 meters before drifting southwest from the main crater.

Bulkang Taal, patuloy ang paglalabas ng steam plume na aabot sa 1500 meters ang taas. May mga naitala ring volcanic earthquake sa magdamag. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/gbHe6WkU5l

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) July 13, 2021

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano Island "has begun deflating in April 2021." The Taal region, meanwhile, "continues to undergo very slow extension since 2020."

Under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest), an explosive eruption could occur due to magma extruding from the main crater, it added.

PHIVOLCS reiterated its earlier advisory that Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and should be kept off limits.

Likewise, entry into high-risk barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel should be prohibited "due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur."

PHIVOLCS also said activities on Taal Lake "should not be allowed" due to the volcano's unrest.

It also advised lakeshore communities around Taal Lake to be vigilant, take the necessary precautions against possible airborne ash and vog, and prepare for evacuation should the volcano show intensified unrest.

Pilots should avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island, PHIVOLCS added, as "airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft." —KG, GMA News