Alert level 1 on Taal Volcano likely in 2 weeks

FILE: Aerial shot of Taal Volcano on board a Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) UH-1 Huey helicopter on Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2020) during the PAF and Joint Task Force-Taal aerial reconnaissance at Taal Volcano. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — Taal Volcano’s alert status may be further downgraded to level 1 once a continuous decrease is noted within two weeks, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday.

“The standard operating procedure is two weeks of continuous (downtrend),” Phivolcs executive director Renato Solidum Jr. said in a text message.

A total of 25 volcanic quakes were recorded for the past 24 hours, fewer than 30 volcanic quakes recorded the previous day.

Volcanic earthquakes are caused by the movements of magma inside the volcano.

Plume emission for measured 50 to 100 meters tall for the third consecutive day.

Volcanic plume is a column of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption. A weaker eruption is based on the height of the plume coming out of the crater.

Sulfur dioxide emission was “below instrumental detection” due to weak plume activity.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, remains strictly prohibited.

People are also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, frequent ashfall, and minor earthquakes.

A fissure is a linear volcanic vent through which lava erupts. The magma intrusion from below causes the fissures to form.

Local government units are advised to additionally assess previously evacuated areas within the seven-kilometer radius for damage and road accessibilities, and to strengthen preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest, Phivolcs said.