Phivolcs lowers Taal Volcano status to Alert Level 2

Taal Volcano (NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano’s alert level has been lowered from 3 to 2 following decreased unrest, state volcanologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in an advisory Friday said there has been a “cessation of eruptive activity” at Taal Volcano after it had a phreatomagmatic eruption of the main crater on July 1.

“Alert Level 2 means that there is decreased unrest but should not be interpreted that unrest has ceased or that the threat of an eruption has disappeared,” Phivolcs said.

Phivolcs added that Taal Volcano’s status may be raised back to Alert Level 3 should changes in trends forewarn of a potential eruption.

“At such time, people residing within areas at high risk to base surges who have returned after the step-down to Alert Level 2 must therefore be prepared for a quick and organized evacuation,” it said.

Under Alert Level 2, Phivolcs explained “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI [Taal Volcano Island] and along its coast.”

Phivolcs stressed that the entry into the island and Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited.

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