PHIVOLCS: 270 quakes recorded at Taal Volcano in past 24 hours
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 270 quakes, including 193 episodes of volcanic tremor having durations of up to 12 minutes, were recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Friday.
In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said it also monitored 77 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, which is higher than the 25 recorded on the previous day.
The agency said it also observed weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose up to 10 meters. Sulfur dioxide emission that averaged 925 tons per day was measured on Thursday.
“Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR data analysis indicated a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region since after the January 2020 eruption,” PHIVOLCS said.
“These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” it added.
Despite increased seismic activities, PHIVOLCS said that Taal Volcano remains under alert level 2 which means “increased unrest.”
The agency noted that the unrest has been “elevating” and that it is under constant evaluation.
PHIVOLCS reminds the public that under alert level 2, “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around Taal Volcano Island.”
Entry into the island and its permanent danger zone, especially in the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must be strictly prohibited, the agency stressed.
Civil aviation authorities are also advised to inform 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.