Taal Volcano update: Alert Level 1 still up, volcanic quakes continue
MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the last 24 hours within the vicinity of the Taal Volcano, where Alert Level 1 remains hoisted, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
UNEASY CALM Almost two weeks since its steam-driven
eruption on Jan. 12, Taal Volcano continues to emit weak to
moderate smoke on Friday morning, an indication that magma
was “still rising,’’ according to Phivolcs. —EDWIN BACASMAS
The earthquakes recorded by the Taal Volcano Network are “associated mainly with rock-fracturing processes beneath and around the edifice,” said Phivolcs.
“Weak steaming or fumarolic activity was observed from fissure vents along the Daang Kastila trail,” the agency added in an 8 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday.
The Taal Volcano Network can record smaller earthquakes undetected by the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN).
Alert Level 1 hoisted over the Taal Volcano means sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island (TVI), according to Phivolcs.
Taal Volcano’s restiveness started on January 12 when it began spewing ash. The alert level was raised to level 4 on the evening of that day, meaning hazardous eruption was imminent.
The alert level was lowered to Level 1 on March 19 after the volcano showed decreased activity.
“DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited,” Phivolcs stressed.
Phivolcs advised local government units to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damage and road accessibilities and to boost preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest.
“People are also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall and minor earthquakes,” Phivolcs further said.
Phivolcs’ bulletin for the Taal Volcano at 8 a.m. on Monday said eight volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the area.
Ten earthquakes were recorded based on its 8 a.m. bulletin on Sunday, eight on Saturday, 11 on Friday, and 39 on Thursday.
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