DANGER ZONE Taal Volcano Island, “Pulo” to locals who once lived there before the volcano erupted in January last year, is largely deserted after the government declared the area a permanent danger zone. The volcano’s alert status has been raised to Level 2, indicating increasing unrest. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines —A total of 259 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Wednesday.
According to Phivolcs’ bulletin, 236 of these earthquakes lasted for one to 22 minutes. Four hybrid earthquakes were also recorded.
TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
24 March 2021
08:00 A.M.#TaalVolcano https://t.co/6zvwgslnY9 pic.twitter.com/XtqurBAne7
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) March 24, 2021
“Activity at the main crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 10meters high,” Phivolcs said.
Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over the Taal Volcano.
Under Alert Level 2, Phivolcs said 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.
Phivolcs reminded the public that entry is prohibited in Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
“Local government units are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest,” Phivolcs added.