51 quakes in Taal Volcano recorded in last 24 hours; alert level 2 stays

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 51 quakes in Taal Volcano in the last 24 hours, indicating continued unrest in the volcano.

Of the 51 volcanic earthquakes, 43 were volcanic tremors that lasted one to 17 minutes and eight were low frequency volcanic earthquakes and low-level background tremors that started at 9:05 a.m. on April 8.

Phivolcs also observed “very weak” emission of five-meter steam-laden plumes from the volcano’s vents.

As of 17 April, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 1097 tonnes per day.

Meanwhile, temperature highs of 71.8 degree celsius and a pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on March 4 and February 12.

Phivolcs also said ground deformation parameters recorded a “very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption.”

“These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” Phivolcs said in its latest volcano bulletin.

Alert Level 2 is maintained over Taal, meaning sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas are possible.

Phivolcs strongly recommends that entry must be strictly prohibited on Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinity of the main crater, the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.

Phivolcs advised local government units to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Civil aviation authorities must likewise advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano  as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.

“DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders,” Phivolcs said.

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JE