Taal Volcano registers 254 quakes in last 24 hours, says Phivolcs

FILE PHOTO: Members of Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Airforce, and Department of Tourism patrol around the Taal Volcano Island in Talisay, Batangas province, on Thursday, February 18, 2021, as Phivolcs reminds residents that the volcano is still under abnormal status. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 254 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday.

Of the 254 tremors, 220 lasted for a minute to 27 minutes, state meteorologists added.

There were also 33 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes detected and one volcano-tectonic earthquake, Phivolcs further said.

“Activity at the main crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose five meters high,” according to Phivolcs.

Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over the Taal Volcano, which is said to be among the country’s most active volcanoes.

TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
01 April 2021
08:00 A.M.#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/ibC4mbd6MF pic.twitter.com/WIWnyaTnlh

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) April 1, 2021

Under Alert Level 2, Phivolcs explained, 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.

The public is reminded that entry is strictly prohibited in Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinity 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 said.

KGA