74 quakes recorded at Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — Seventy-four volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported yesterday.

A weak emission of steam-laden plumes that rose 10 meters high was observed during the period, Phivolcs said.

Significant sulfur dioxide emission that averaged 596 tons per day was measured on Saturday, it added.

Temperature and acidity level at the main crater lake remained high at 71.8 degrees Celsius and ph 1.59, respectively.

“These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” state seismologists said.

Alert Level 2, which means “increased unrest,” remains hoisted over Taal.

Phivolcs has been warning the public against sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

The agency prohibits anyone from entering Taal Volcano Island, especially near the main crater and at the Daang Kastila fissure.

Taal erupted in January last year, displacing more than 300,000 people.