Philvolcs placed Taal Volcano under Alert Level 3 due to magmatic unrest, Thursday, July 1.
“This serves as notice for the raising of the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest). At 1516H (3:16 PM) PST, Taal Volcano Main Crater generated a short-lived dark phreatomagmatic plume 1 kilometer-high with no accompanying volcanic earthquake,” Philvocs said.
“In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3,” it added.
This means that there is magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions. PHIVOLCS strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.
The public is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited.
In addition, communities around the Taal Lake shore are advised to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lakewater disturbances related to the ongoing unrest.
Taal Volcano placed under Alert Level 3 due to magmatic unrest
The police force is on high alert for possible evacuation of residents from areas surrounding restive Taal Volcano.
PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar’s local police offices should also be updated on the Taal’s activity.
“Simulan na natin ang pakikipagcoordinate sa mga lokal na opisyal para agad tayong makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga residenteng apektado nitong kasalukuyang activity ng bulkan,” he said.
(We should start coordinating with local officials now to immediately provide help to residents affected by the ongoing activity of the volcano).
The police also ensure that no one would come near the volcano.
Taal Volcano has had several violent eruptions in the past, causing deaths on the island and the populated areas surrounding the lake, with an overall death toll of about 6,000. Because of its proximity to populated areas and its eruptive history, the volcano was designated a Decade Volcano, worthy of close study to prevent future natural disasters. All volcanoes in the Philippines are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
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