In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded five (5) volcanic earthquakes, including three (3) volcanic tremor events having durations of one (1) to two (2) minutes, two (2) low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 7 July 2021.
Two short-lived phreatomagmatic bursts, recorded as tremors, were recorded at 1:46 AM and 2:54 AM this morning that lasted 1 and 2 minutes, respectively, based on their seismic signals. These events produced plumes 400 to 500 meters tall.
Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1800 meters tall that drifted southwest. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission yesterday averaged 11,846 tonnes/day.
Based on ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring, Taal Volcano Island has been inflating since August 2021 while the Taal region continues to undergo very slow extension since 2020.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at Alert Level 2, sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around TVI.
DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ must be strictly prohibited, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and extended stays on Taal Lake.
Taal Volcano records 2 phreatomagmatic bursts
Local government officials are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.
Civil aviation authorities must 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.
DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Pinatubo Volcano remains under Alert Level 0 (Normal).
This means observational parameters have returned to baseline levels and the volcano has returned to a period of quiescence. However, in the event of a renewed increase in any one or combination of the above monitoring parameters, the alert status may step up once again to Alert Level 1.
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