View of the Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City, Cavite province, as it emits steam plumes on Thursday morning, May 27, 2021. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — No tremors have been recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, but the Alert Level 2 raised over one of the country’s active and dangerous volcanoes will remain, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday.
According to Phivolcs, while no earthquakes caused by volcanic activity were recorded, low-level background tremor has persisted since April 8 – increased unrest that warrants the imposition of Alert Level 2.
Phivolcs also observed the emission of steam-laden plumes 500 to 1,000 meters tall from the volcano’s vents. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission has averaged 2,976 tons per day, as of May 31, it added.
Phivolcs likewise noted that ground deformation parameters recorded a “very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption.”
“These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” it said in its latest bulletin.
Phivolcs warned that with the Alert Level 2 raised over Taal, phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas are likely to occur.
Because of this, Phivolcs recommended that entry to the Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinity of the main crater, the Daang Kastila fissure, as well as the occupancy and boating on Taal Lake, must be strictly prohibited.
In the event of renewed unrest, local government units are advised to continue to examine and reinforce the preparation of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake, it also said.
Phivolcs added that pilots should avoid flying near the volcano because airborne ash and ballistic fragments from abrupt explosions, including wind-remobilized ash, pose a threat to aircraft.
“DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders,” it said.