Taal Volcano's volcanic quakes, tremors mean magma is moving —PHIVOLCS

Magma continues to move within Taal Volcano in Batangas, based on the volcanic earthquakes and tremors observed, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Saturday.

"'Yung volcanic tremor and low frequency earthquakes would imply that there is movement of magma within the volcano," PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said.

Eleven volcanic earthquakes including four volcanic tremors lasting from three to 97 minutes long were recorded from 5 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday.

"'Yung volcanic tremors that we recorded since June 2, huminto na. But mayroon naman tayong additional volcanic tremors and four low frequency earthquakes from 5 a.m. yesterday until 5 a.m. today," Bacolcol said.

(The volcanic tremors that we recorded since June 2 already stopped. But there are additional volcanic tremors and four low-frequency earthquakes from 5 a.m. yesterday until 5 a.m. today.)

Meanwhile, voluminous plumes rose up to 1,500 meters tall before drifting northeast, according to the PHIVOLCS bulletin.

"Kahapon, we observed 1,500 meters of steaming activity nung early morning. Pero nung hapon, wala na," Bacolcol said.

(Yesterday, we observed 1,500 meters of steaming activity in the early morning. But these were gone by afternoon.)

A pronounced upwelling hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake was also observed.

A total of 2,941 tons of sulfur dioxide was emitted on Thursday, June 8.

PHIVOLCS said there is a short-term inflation of the northwestern sector of Taal Volcano, and a long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera.

Last April 17, temperature at the Main Crater Lake measured 74.1 degrees Celsius. The pH level of the Main Crater Lake meanwhile was at 0.48 last February 21.

Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest) remains in effect, PHIVOLCS said.

The agency again reminded the public that Taal Volcano Island (permanent danger zone or PDZ) especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures is off limits.

Likewise, occupancy and boating on Taal Lake and flying any aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed.

Taal Volcano warned that steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur. —KG, GMA Integrated News