Science chief warns public vs Taal emissions

Communities around Taal Volcano in Batangas province have been warned to stay alert amid continuing signs of volcanic unrest. (Photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer0

MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano is in a state of “low-level unrest” with six volcanic earthquakes recorded since Friday, but Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. does not yet see any indication of a massive eruption.

A bulletin by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday said the six volcanic earthquakes had durations of three to seven minutes along with “low-level background tremor.”

The volume of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emitting from the volcano has been running high for the past two weeks, according to Solidum. But SO2 gas emissions can be avoided through protocols, therefore no evacuation is required, at least for now, he added.

—DEMPSEY REYES

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