In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded forty-two (42) volcanic earthquakes, including thirty-four (34) episodes of volcanic tremor having durations of one (1) to eight (8) minutes and one (1) hybrid event.
Activity at the Main Crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 5 meters high. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission that averaged 1216 tonnes/day was measured yesterday, 15 March 2021.
Temperature highs of 71.8°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake respectively on 04 March and 12 February 2021.
Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR data analysis indicated a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region since after the January 2020 eruption. These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is maintained over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at Alert Level 2, 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).
Taal Volcano Network records 42 volcanic earthquakes
DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.
Local government units are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.
Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.
Last week, two local tourists and a banker were arrested after sneaking into the main crater of Taal Volcano Island which was raised to alert level 2 on Tuesday.
They passed through the town of Balete in a small boat with 3 minor nephews.
According to the arrested residents of Tanauan City, they only wanted to visit Taal Volcano where they had a prenup in 2017 before returning to Italy.