Taal records 175 volcanic earthquakes in 24 hours, says Phivolcs

MANILA – The Taal volcano recorded about 175 volcanic earthquakes over 24 hours, the state seismology office said on Saturday.

In an advisory issued at 8 am, Phivolcs said that the activity around the main crater “consisted of a moderate emission of steam-laden plumes from the fumarolic vents that rose 80 to 100 meters high.”

In addition to the 125 volcanic earthquakes, it also recorded 131 volcanic tremors around the Batangas volcano, lasting between 1 and 15 minutes.

Phivolcs had said it recorded 252 volcanic earthquakes in 24 hours at Taal in a March 15 advisory.

With the earthquakes and tremors being felt, Taal is at alert level 2, signifying an increase in unrest.

Under this alert level, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal volcanic gas ejections and accumulations can occur that threaten areas within the island of Taal Volcano.

Phivolcs in the bulletin again recommended that entrances to some areas such as Taal volcano island, Taal permanent danger zone and the vicinity of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure “should remain strictly prohibited.”

Local government officials were also advised to “continually assess and strengthen the readiness” of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in the event of “further disturbances”.

Pilots were also advised to avoid flying near the volcano to avoid potential dangers from sudden explosions and ash remobilized by the wind.

Phivolcs also said it was “closely monitoring” the volcanic activity around Taal, with significant developments to be reported “immediately.”

In February, authorities evacuated residents from the island where the Taal volcano is located.

The Taal eruption in January last year displaced some 350,000 people and caused ash to fall around Batangas and surrounding areas, including Metro Manila.

RELATED VIDEO: