6 earthquakes rock Taal, Kanlaon volcanoes

Six volcanic earthquakes were recorded each at the Taal Volcano and Kanlaon Volcano within a 24-hour period, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.

The recent seismic activities at the Taal Volcano included five volcanic tremors that lasted 4 to 5 minutes long.

The volcano in Batangas province also had a weak emission of 600-meter tall plume, drifting west-southwest.

On Saturday, December 7, it released 1,207 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.

Taal Volcano had a minor phreatomagmatic eruption last Tuesday, generating a 2800-meter grayish plume.

Despite this, Alert Level 1 remained hoisted over the volcano due to “low-level unrest.”

Entry into Taal Volcano Island which is considered a permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

Hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.

Kanlaon Volcano

Aside from six volcanic earthquakes, Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island also had a 16-minute long ash emission event.

It also released 4,638 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Sunday, as well as a moderate 300-meter tall plume.

Alert Level 2 is currently raised at Kanlaon Volcano due to an “increased unrest” following its explosive eruption on June 3.

Entry into the volcano’s 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and flying any aircraft close to it are also prohibited.

PHIVOLCS warned of possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, and precursory magmatic activity. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News