7 quakes rock Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines—Seven volcanic earthquakes rocked Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Friday said.

Two of these tremors, which occurred at 6:34 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday were felt at Intensity II by residents of Barangay Calauit in the southeastern part of the Volcano Island, Phivolcs said in its latest bulletin.

Alert Level 1, which means that hazardous eruption is not imminent, remains hoisted over Taal Volcano, it said.

“The public, however, is reminded that the main crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate,” Phivolcs said.

Taal Volcano, about 50 kilometers south of Manila, last erupted in 1977.