More volcanic quakes, sulfur emissions recorded in Taal Volcano

FILE: Smoke billows out of a seemingly quiet Taal Volcano on Friday (Jan. 17, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — More volcanic earthquakes and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have been observed in Taal Volcano for the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Tuesday.

The Taal Volcano Network recorded 223 volcanic earthquakes, including eight low-frequency events and one harmonic tremor that lasted for about three minutes. This is higher compared to 124 volcanic quakes recorded the previous day.

“These earthquakes signify magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at the main crater,” Phivolcs said in its bulletin.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which means sudden steam-driven and weak phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and lethal volcanic gas expulsions may still occur in areas within Taal Volcano Island and nearby lake shores.

SO2 emission measured higher on February 3, with an average of 231 tons/day. An average of 97 tons/day was recorded on February 1, according to Phivolcs.

Steam laden-plumes emission for the past 24 hours went a little shorter at 50 to 500 meters in height, compared to the 800-meter tall steam-laden plumes the previous day.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, as well as into areas over Taal Lake and communities west of the island within a 7-km. radius from the main crater must be strictly prohibited.

“Local government units are advised to assess areas outside the 7-km. radius for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest,” it added.