(Eagle News)–The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued a Taal volcano advisory, with “Tisoy’s” track expected to include Calabarzon.
In the advisory, PHIVOLCS reiterated that the entire volcano island was strictly a Permanent Danger Zone and is not recommended for permanent settlement at all times.
The main crater, it said, was strictly off-limits because “sudden steam explosions may happen and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate,” PHIVOLCS said.
“The northern portion of the main crater rim, near the Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures abruptly increases,” PHIVOLCS added.
PHIVOLCS said as of now, an Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano.
While hazardous eruption is not imminent, PHIVOLCS said there is a possibility of magmatic disturbance ongoing under the volcano.
It said the volcano has also had 4857 volcanic earthquakes as of today, with some felt with intensity ranging from Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) to Intensity III (weak shaking) in Barangays Banyaga, Agoncillo; Calauit, Balete; Sitio Tibag, Pira-Piraso, Sitio Tuuran, Tabla, and Buco, Talisay; and Alas-as and Pulangbato, San Nicolas, Batangas.
PHIVOLCS said often, these felt earthquakes were accompanied by rumbling sounds
“In the event of further increase in number of volcanic earthquakes, higher concentration of gases, continuous inflation of the volcano’s edifice, increase in water temperature and/or occurrence of widespread bubbling at the lake of the Main Crater, Taal Volcano’s status will be raised to Alert Level 2,” PHIVOLCS said.
It said PHIVOLCS was closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s condition.
