MANILA, Philippines — The main crater of Taal Volcano had a weak emission of steam-laden plumes rising 50 to 100 meters high just a day after the volcano’s condition was lowered to alert level 2, state volcanologists said Saturday.
In its 8 a.m. Taal Volcano bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the volcano’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was “below instrumental detection due to weak plume activity.”
Based from Taal Volcano Network, Phivolcs said it recorded 77 volcanic earthquakes, which means there is “magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at volcano’s main crater.”
Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano which means “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI (Taal Volcano Island) and along its coast.”
Under Alert Level 2, there is decreased unrest in the activity of the volcano but it may still be raised to Alert Level 3 if there is “uptrend or pronounced change in monitored parameters forewarns a potential eruption.”
Phivolcs also reiterated its recommendation that no residents or villagers should enter the Taal Volcano Island and Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone.