Few volcanic quakes, high SO2 emission recorded in Taal Volcano

MANILA – Only six volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the Taal Volcano for the past 24 hours, but it continued to emit high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas, based on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) bulletin on Wednesday.

The six volcanic quakes caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano had durations of about 12 minutes. The figure is much lower than the 171 and 185 volcanic quakes recorded last July 12 and 11, respectively.

Earlier, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said determining the appropriate alert level for a volcano does not only base on the number of earthquakes recorded but also the type of earthquakes, location, depth, and energy of the quakes.

Other parameters, such as ground deformation, the chemistry of gases and water, and surface manifestations are also being looked at.

On July 13, the SO2 emission averaged 4,184 tonnes, lower than the 6,134 tonnes recorded the previous day.

Steam-rich plumes steam-rich plumes measured 1,500 meters in height.

Alert level 3 (magmatic unrest) is maintained over the Taal Volcano, which means there is magmatic intrusion at its main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island and 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.

Phivolcs also advised communities around the Taal Lake shores to take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and volcanic smog (vog) and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify.

Vog is a type of air pollution that consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract in severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure.