Taal’s increased activity continues

MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists yesterday warned residents of Batangas and nearby areas to remain alert as Taal Volcano continued to show increased activity.

Pilots were advised to avoid flying their aircraft close to the volcano as Taal is still under Alert Level 2, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Entry to the permanent danger zone, especially at the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, is strictly prohibited.

Boat-riding activity in Taal Lake is also not allowed.

From 5 a.m. on Saturday until 5 a.m. yesterday, the volcano registered at least nine small phreatomagmatic eruptions lasting 10 seconds to two minutes.

It also registered 31 volcanic earthquakes including 14 tremors that lasted one to three minutes.

Phivolcs said it observed a 2,000-meter-tall voluminous emission steaming or degassing activity at the volcano’s active vent or crater.

The volcano has been releasing an average of 10,036 tons of volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission per day.

Ground deformation was observed on Taal Volcano Island.

Phivolcs said the volcano might produce steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions. It said earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur any time.