Taal Volcano registers 216 quakes in last 24 hours

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 216 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Sunday.

Of the total number of earthquakes, 177 were episodes of volcanic tremor lasting from one to 39 minutes.

There were also 39 low frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that started since Thursday morning, Phivolcs said.

Meanwhile, Taal Volcano’s main crater had a “very weak emmission” of steam-laden plumes that rose five meters high in the past 24 hours.

The volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which warns of possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

The public is reminded that entry is strictly prohibited on Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Phivolcs advised local government units to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Civil aviation authorities must likewise advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano.

“DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders,” Phivolcs said.

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