In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded eighty-two (82) volcanic earthquakes, including fifteen (15) low frequency volcanic earthquakes and sixty-seven (67) volcanic tremor events having durations of one (1) to six (6) minutes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 08 April 2021.
Activity at the Main Crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumaroles or gas vents that rose forty (40) meters. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 3,758 tonnes/day on 16 May 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 monitoring continue to record a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption. These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is currently 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 and around TVI.
DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry must be strictly prohibited into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.
Taal Volcano records 82 volcanic earthquakes in past 24 hours
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.
Meanwhile, Pinatubo Volcano’s monitoring network recorded five (5) volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour observation period.
Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) prevails over Pinatubo Volcano, which means that there is low-level unrest that may be related to tectonic processes beneath its edifice and that no imminent eruption is foreseen. Entry into the Pinatubo Crater area must be conducted with extreme caution and should be avoided if possible.
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