Taal Volcano showing signs of activity?

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is closely monitoring Taal Volcano in Batangas after some surrounding villages felt earthquakes and rumblings in the past few months.

A total of 4,857 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since Alert Level 1 was raised over Taal in March this year.

The temblors – with intensities ranging from 1 (scarcely perceptible) to 3 (weak) – were reportedly felt in the villages of Banyaga in Agoncillo town, Calauit in Balete, Buco in Talisay, and Alas-as and Pulang Bato, both in San Nicolas town as well as in Sitios Tibag and Tuuran in Barangay Pira-Piraso and Tabla, respectively.

From Nov. 21 to 29, the precise leveling measurements on the volcano showed further inflation of its edifice, which is consistent with the recent continuous global positioning system data, Phivolcs said.

State volcanologists observed an increase in carbon dioxide emissions inside the main crater starting in April.

Phivolcs said there were no significant changes in the water temperature and acidity of the main crater lake.

As of yesterday, Taal remained at Alert Level 1, which means that hazardous eruption is not imminent but there is a possibility of magmatic disturbance ongoing under the volcano, the agency said.

It said it would raise the alert status of Taal to 2 should there be an increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes and concentration of gases, continuous inflation of the volcano’s edifice, increase in water temperature and widespread bubbling in the main crater lake.

Phivolcs said the main crater is off-limits to human as sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.

It said the northern portion of the main crater rim near the Daang Kastila Trail might become hazardous once steam emissions along existing fissures increase.

“The entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone and is not recommended for permanent settlement at all times,” Phivolcs said.