Taal Volcano logs 3 earthquakes, 1 tremor in 24 hours

FILE PHOTO: The scenic view of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City, Cavite, shown in this photo taken on October 24, 2023. —MARLON MALLARI/ CONTRIBUTOR

LUCENA CITY — Three volcanic earthquakes in Taal Volcano were detected over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Monday morning, July 22.

The earthquakes on Sunday were accompanied by a volcanic tremor that lasted from three to four minutes, Phivolcs said in its bulletin.

Volcanic earthquakes come from an active volcano and are distinguished by their “mode of arrivals, periods, amplitudes, etc.,” the state seismologist defined.

Volcanic tremors, on the other hand, are “continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular sine wave appearance and low frequencies.”

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In its latest update, Phivolcs recorded the emission of 4,950 metric tons (MT) of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from Taal’s main crater, which rose 1,800 meters high before drifting in an east-northeast direction.

The Phivolcs reported the absence of “vog,” or volcanic smog, during the latest observation period.

Vog is composed of SO2 gas and could irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. People with respiratory conditions and pregnant women are at greater risk.

Taal Volcano is still under alert level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest), Phivolcs said.

The agency reminded the public that Taal Volcano remained in an “abnormal condition” and “should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.” INQ