(FILE) Caretakers of fishery structures in a section of Taal Lake in Laurel, Batangas.—NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Degassing from the main crater of Taal Volcano has become more active since midnight, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Friday.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said “this means that the possibility of steam or gas driven explosion continues to exist.”
"LOOK:Degassing from the Taal Main Crater has noticeably become more active since midnight, 11 March 2022. Volcanic SO2 gas emission is on an increased trend since March 6 and recently peaked at 15,900t/d on 09 March 2022. Alert Level 2 is currently maintained over Taal Volcano." pic.twitter.com/IlnX0vwIOX
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) March 11, 2022
According to the agency, the volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission has been on an “increased trend” since March 6 and peaked at 15,900 metric tons per day on March 9.
Phivolcs also reported in its bulletin that eight volcanic earthquakes, including four volcanic tremor events lasting two to eight minutes and three low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, were recorded in the Taal Volcano in a 24-hour monitoring period.
“Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1,200 meters tall that drifted southwest,” added Phivolcs.
Alert Level 2 or increased unrest is still raised over Taal Volcano. Under this alert level, sudden steam or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island.