86 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal Volcano; Alert Level 3 remains

Taal Volcano had 86 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours as Alert Level 3 remains in effect, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Sunday.

The quakes included 84 volcanic tremor events lasting one to 34 minutes, one low-frequency volcanic earthquake, one hybrid earthquake, and low-level background tremor which has persisted since July 7, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.

The volcano continues to emit high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) which reached an average of 5,466 tonnes on Saturday.

From the main crater, steam-rich plumes rose up to 2,100 meters before these drifted northeast.

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano Island continues to deflate since April this year, and the Taal region has been undergoing a very slow extension since last year.

“At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption,” PHIVOLCS said.

It reiterated its reminder that Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and should be kept off limits.

It also reminded residents of high-risk barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel of the existing threat from pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should Taal Volcano have strong eruptions.

“All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time,” PHIVOLCS said.

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 volcanic activities intensify.

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