Phivolcs: 185 earthquakes at Taal Volcano in last 24 hours; Alert Level 3 stays

Taal Volcano (NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER)

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 185 earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Monday.

According to Phivolcs bulletin issued 8 a.m., among the earthquakes recorded were seven low frequency volcanic earthquakes, 176 volcanic tremor events having durations of from one to 16 minutes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since July 7.

Meanwhile, high levels of  sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose 1,500 meters before drifting southwest and west-northwest were generated from the Taal Volcano’s main crater.

Phivolcs said SO2 emission at the volcano averaged 6,421 tons on Sunday.

“Based on ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring, Taal Volcano Island has begun deflating in April 2021 while the Taal region continues to undergo very slow extension since 2020,” the agency added.

Alert Level 3, raised on July 1, is still in effect.

Phivolcs warned that under Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the main crater could drive “explosive eruption.” 

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