Taal remains under Alert Level 1 after exhibiting ‘low-level activity’

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Friday said it had monitored ongoing “low-level activity” at Taal Volcano in Batangas, which is currently under Alert Level 1 (low level of unrest).

In an advisory, PHIVOLCS said “relatively weak and shallow” but continuous volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the area near the volcano at 6:35 a.m.

There was also a slight increase in gas emissions, with Taal emitting 5,360 tonnes/day of sulfur dioxide between May 22 and June 1, compared to the less than 3,000 tonnes/day recorded between April 1 and May 21.

PHIVOLCS also saw an upwelling of hot fluids in the Taal Main Crater Lake and the pronounced inflation of the southwest volcano island since the fourth week of May.

“These parameters indicate that shallow hydrothermal activity driven by a new phase of magma degassing at depth is currently taking place at Taal Volcano,” the agency said.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, PHIVOLCS said, adding the parameters “should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity”.

The institute also reminded the public that entry into Taal Volcano Island was prohibited as it was a permanent danger zone. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News