9 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal Volcano —PHIVOLCS

Taal Volcano in Batangas had nine volcanic earthquakes on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

The quakes, which occurred from 12 a.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday, included two volcanic tremors lasting six minutes long, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin.

The volcano also had six minor phreatic eruptions which lasted from one to three minutes, and one minor phreatomagmatic eruption which lasted for four minutes.

“The phreatomagmatic event was likely driven by sudden contact of water with a small branch of shallow magma that has been in place beneath the Taal Main Crater and that has been degassing sustained levels of SO2 for the past three years,” PHIVOLCS said Saturday.

Meanwhile, 2,068 tons of sulfur dioxide were emitted by Taal Volcano on Saturday. PHIVOLCS said there is still upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake.

Moderate plumes rising 900 meters tall were also emitted, and these drifted in the southwest direction.

The Taal Caldera has a long-term deflation, while the general northern and southeastern flanks of Taal Volcano Island showed short-term inflation, PHIVOLCS said.

"Right now, maintain muna natin 'yung Alert Level 1," PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

(Right now, we will maintain Alert Level 1.)

Under Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest), Taal Volcano may have steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas, according to PHIVOLCS.

The agency also reiterated that Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone, and entry into it, especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, is not allowed.

Occupancy and boating on Taal Lake are also prohibited.

Likewise, flying aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed. —KG, GMA Integrated News