Taal Volcano (taken October 26, 2020). Photo by Mike Frialde/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Alert Level 2 remains in effect over Taal Volcano as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Wednesday morning that 212 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the area in the last 24 hours.
According to Phivolcs’ 8 a.m. bulletin, 168 of the recorded earthquakes were “episodes of volcanic tremor” lasting from one to 20 minutes, while 44 were low frequency volcanic earthquakes.
“Activity at the Main Crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose five meters,” Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs likewise said that temperature highs of 71.8 degrees celcius and pH (measure of how acidic or basic water is) of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on March 4 and February 12, 2021, respectively.
Further, Phivolcs said data analysis indicated “a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region since after the January 2020 eruption.”
“These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” Phivolcs added.
Phivolcs said that while Alert Level 2 is maintained at Taal Volcano, the unrest “has been elevating and is under constant evaluation.”
Under Alert Level 2, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island.
“DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry must be strictly prohibited into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake,” Phivolcs said.
State volcanologists raised the status of Taal Volcano to alert level 2 more than a year after its last phreatic eruption in January 2020.