In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded two hundred fifty-nine (259) volcanic earthquakes, including two hundred thirty-six (236) episodes of volcanic tremor having durations of one (1) to twenty (22) minutes and four (4) hybrid earthquakes.
Activity at the Main Crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 10 meters. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission that averaged 813 tonnes/day was measured yesterday, 23 March 2021.
Temperature highs of 71.8°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake respectively on 04 March and 12 February 2021.
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.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is maintained over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at 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 the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.
Taal Volcano records 259 volcanic earthquakes in past 24 hours
Local government units 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, Mayon Volcano’s monitoring network recorded one (1) volcanic earthquake during the past 24-hour observation period. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was last measured at an average of 80 tonnes/day on 08 March 2021.
Ground deformation data from Precise Leveling surveys on 04-11 March 2021 indicated slight inflation of the edifice relative to the December 2020 survey.
DOST-PHIVOLCS would like to remind the public that Mayon Volcano is at Alert Level 1, which means that it is at an abnormal condition.