PHIVOLCS: 98 tremor episodes recorded at Taal in 24 hours; alert level 1 still in place

(Eagle News) — Ninety-eight tremor episodes were recorded at Taal in 24 hours.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremors at the volcano, which remains on alert level 1, lasted for five to 12 minutes.

PHIVOLCS said the emission of white steam-laden plumes was weak in the main crater.

“Temperature highs of 77.1°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on 12 February 2021,” PHIVOLCS said.

It said overall, “very slow and steady inflation” of the Taal region has been recorded by continuous GPS data after the eruption.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that at alert level 1, “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).”

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure should remain strictly prohibited.

Local government units were advised to “continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest.”

“People are also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall, and minor earthquakes,” PHIVOLCS said.

It said civil aviation authorities should advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano.

“(Department of Science and Technology)-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders,” PHIVOLCS said.