69 tremor episodes recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours

OUT OF HARM’S WAY A team composed of Coast Guard personnel, firemen and policemen ensures that people still on Taal Volcano Island will be out of harm’s way as the area remains under Alert Level 1 (abnormal status). —PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK PAGE OF PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA, Philippines — In the past 24 hours, 69 tremor episodes having durations of one to five minutes have been recorded in Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of  Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said activity in the volcano’s main crater consisted of weak emission of white steam-laden plumes from fumaroles that rose 20 meters high.

High temperatures were last recorded on the volcano on Feb. 12.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains placed over Taal Volcano, meaning that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

Phivolcs recommended that entry to the TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.

“Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest,” it said.

Phivolcs also advised residents to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall, and minor earthquakes. Pilots should likewise avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.

On Tuesday, residents on Taal Volcano island were evacuated due to the volcano’s “slightly increased activity.”

EDV