Taal Volcano (GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE / INQUIRER file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — No volcanic quakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Monday.
“In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network or TVN did not detect any volcanic earthquake. Activity at the main crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1,000 meters tall that drifted southwest,” the agency said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.
Taal Volcano emitted an average of 1,140 tons of sulfur dioxide on March 27, Phivolcs said.
Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Taal Volcano, which means there is a “magmatic intrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.”
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said the agency does not see the possibility of an explosive eruption, so far.
“Based on current parameters, we don’t see the potential of a large explosive eruption similar to the January 2020 eruption as of now,” he said on ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.
“What it will take for a strong explosion to happen is for deep magma, around five to seven kilometers, if these would rise to the surface fast enough that it will prevent sulfur dioxide gas to escape then the explosive eruption can happen,” Solidum added.
Phivolcs recommended the evacuation of residents in Taal Volcano Island and barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga in Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East in Laurel.
The evacuation was suggested due to “possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions subsequently occur.”
Phivolcs reiterated that Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone and all activities on Taal Lake are prohibited.
“Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify,” Phivolcs said.
The agency likewise asked civil aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid flying near or over Taal Volcano Island as “airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft.”