Phivolcs: Taal emits high level of sulfur dioxide; 221 quakes recorded

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 221 volcanic earthquakes and an even higher level of sulfur dioxide emission was observed over Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday.

Movement at the main crater was “dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids” in its lake which generated 1500-meter tall plumes that drifted southwest, Phivolcs explained in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

The volcano also emitted an average of 5,837 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, which is slightly higher than the 4,443 tonnes average recorded on Sunday.

Phivolcs said the highest sulfur dioxide emission recorded for the volcano was on June 10 that averaged 9,911 tonnes.

Aside from the volcanic quakes, Phivolcs also recorded 29 low frequency quakes and 192 volcanic tremors with a duration of one to 135 minutes. Low-level background tremor has also been constant since April.

TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
15 June 2021
08:00 A.M.#TaalVolcanohttps://t.co/KJZumJQuYr pic.twitter.com/zO8JmrY1hz

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) June 15, 2021

Taal has been under alert level 2 since March when state volcanologists recorded “increasing unrest” a year after its phreatic eruption in 2020.

Under Alert Level 2, Phivolcs warns of sudden steam or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas that can occur and threaten areas within and around the island.

Authorities strictly prohibit entry into the Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, and the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. Occupancy and boating on Taal Lake is also prohibited.

Phivolcs said it is “closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.” Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa, Inquirer trainee

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JE