Alert level raised for Taal Volcano
TAAL VOLCANO is getting restive and an eruption, while not imminent, is a possibility, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned yesterday.
The Phivolcs raised the alert status at Taal Volcano to Level 2 from Level 1, following an increase in volcanic earthquakes, carbon dioxide emissions and emissions of steam. Level 2 is described as “alarming” and indicates rise of magma to the surface, which could eventually lead to an eruption.
“With this alert status, the present activities could eventually lead to an eruption,” the Phivolcs said in its bulletin issued yesterday.
Level 5 is the highest alert level, and means that an eruption is in progress. Alert Level 4 means an eruption is imminent, and could take place in a few days. Under Alert Level 3, eruption is possible within days or weeks if unrest continues.
The Phivolcs said that since magma is rising in the volcano, people should stay away from its main crater, the Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro, the site of the 1965 eruption at the volcano island.
Sudden, hazardous steam-driven explosions could take place and toxic gases could fill the air, posing danger to all living things in the area.
“Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation,” said the Phivolcs.
It further reminded the public that the entire volcano island is considered a permanent danger zone.
Taal Volcano and its lake are a popular tourist destination, with visitors trooping to the area to gaze at what is known as the world’s smallest active volcano.
According to the Phivolcs, the number of volcanic earthquakes it had detected since Friday had increased, and they were becoming shallower.
A total of 21 seismic earthquakes had been recorded. Two of the earthquakes were perceptible and were felt at intensities 2 to 3. One was accompanied by a rumbling sound.
Carbon dioxide emissions from the Taal main crater lake was 4,670 tons per day in the last week of March.
