(Eagle News)-Taal volcano remains in a period of “intense unrest,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said on Monday, Jan. 13.
In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said an alert level 4 remains hoisted over the volcano, whose steam-driven activity has progressed into magmatic eruption characterized by weak lava fountaining accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning.
PHIVOLCS said booming sounds were also heard in Talisay, Batangas at 2 p.m. yesterday.
Seventy-five volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the Taal region as of 5 a.m. today, with 32 of these being felt with intensities ranging from II to V in Tagaytay, Cabuyao, Laguna, Talisay, Alitagtag, Lemery and Bauan in Batangas.
PHIVOLCS reiterated the need for a total evacuation from the volcano island and from areas within the 14-kilometer radius of the volcano, with Taal’s explosive eruption possible in hours or days.
Areas in the north of Taal should also guard against ashfall.