In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded fifty-two (52) volcanic earthquakes, including twenty-three (23) volcanic tremor events having durations of one (1) to five (5) minutes, twenty-nine (29) low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 07 July 2021.
Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 2000 meters tall that drifted west-southwest. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 3,848 tonnes/day on 25 August 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.
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 occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.
Local government officials are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2
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, PAGASA reported in its early morning forecast that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will be affecting the country.
Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Apayao, Kalinga, Aurora, and Quezon will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms brought about by the ITCZ with possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to the ITCZ with possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.