In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded two hundred twenty-one (221) volcanic earthquakes, including twenty-nine (29) low frequency volcanic earthquakes and one hundred ninety-two (192) volcanic tremor events having durations of one (1) to one hundred thirty-five (135) minutes, and low-level background tremor has persisted since 08 April 2021.
Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1500 meters tall that drifted to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 5,837 tonnes/day on 14 June 2021.
Based on ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring, Taal Volcano Island has begun deflating in April 2021 while the Taal region continues to undergo very slow extension since 2020. These parameters indicate overall that magmatic unrest continues to occur at shallow depths beneath the edifice.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is currently maintained 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 must be strictly prohibited into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.
Taal Volcano Network records 221 volcanic earthquakes
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, Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) prevails over Pinatubo Volcano, which means that there is low-level unrest that may be related to tectonic processes beneath its edifice and that no imminent eruption is foreseen. Entry into the Pinatubo Crater area must be conducted with extreme caution and should be avoided if possible.
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