In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded seventeen (17) volcanic earthquakes, including one (1) volcanic tremor event having a duration of forty-five (45) minutes, sixteen (16) low frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 08 April 2021.
High levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose as much as two thousand five hundred (2,500) meters high that drifted southwest, southeast, and north-northwest was generated from the Taal Main Crater.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 22,628 tonnes/day on 04 July 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 3 (Magmatic Unrest) now prevails over Taal Volcano. At Alert Level 3, magma extruding from the Main Crater could drive explosive eruption.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 3
The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as into the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited due to the hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur.
All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time. Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify.
Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains its close monitoring of Taal Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the residents near Taal Volcano (Alert Level 3) to wear protective gear against the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide emitted in an eruption.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, sulfur dioxide emitted during the Taal Volcano’s short phreatomagmatic bursts yesterday could irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, especially for people with asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
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