Phivolcs records 259 volcanic tremors in ‘restive’ Taal

TAAL Volcano continues to exhibit increased unrest, with more volcanic earthquakes and tremor having been recorded in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Wednesday.

In a Volcano Bulletin issued at 8 a.m. on March 24, Phivolcs said the Taal Volcano Network recorded 259 volcanic earthquakes, including 236 episodes of volcanic tremors with durations of one to 22 minutes, and four hybrid earthquakes.

Volcanologists monitoring Taal also reported weak emissions of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 10 meters at the volcano’s main crater.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission that averaged 813 tonnes/day was measured on Tuesday (March 23, 2021) as temperature highs of 71.8°C and ph of 1.59 were last measured from the main crater Lake respectively on 4 March and 12 February 2021.

“The 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. These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” Phivolcs reported.

As Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 2 status in Taal, the agency reminded the public that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

A permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure entry into the TVI, is strictly prohibited.

Phivolcs advised Local Government Units (LGUS) not to be complacent and continue to assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said aviation authorities must also 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.