(Eagle News)–An alert level 3 remains hoisted over Taal as it continues to emit steam and its seismic activity.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said activity in the main crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by weak emission of steam-laden plumes rising 50 to 100 meters high.
PHIVOLCS said sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at an average of 59 tons per day on February 12.
The Taal Volcano Network also recorded 71 volcanic earthquakes.
“These earthquakes signify magmatic activity beneath the Taal edifice that could lead to eruptive activity at the main crater,” PHIVOLCS said.
PHIVOLCS reminded the public that “sudden steam-driven and even weak phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and lethal volcanic gas expulsions can still occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island and nearby lakeshores.”
PHIVOLCS also reiterated its recommendation that entry into the Taal Volcano Island and into areas over Taal Lake and communities west of the island within a seven-kilometer radius from the main crater be strictly prohibited.
Local government units were advised to assess “areas outside the seven-kilometer radius for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest.”
Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano, PHIVOLCS said.
