Taal Volcano update as of March 17

Taal Volcano update: In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded fifty-five (55) volcanic earthquakes, including forty-four (44) episodes of volcanic tremor having durations of two (2) to five (5) minutes and low-level background volcanic tremor that began at 07:00 PM on March 16, 2021.

Activity at the Main Crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 50 meters high. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission that averaged 689 tonnes/day was measured yesterday, 16 March 2021.

ADVERTISEMENT

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).

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Taal Volcano update as of March 17

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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 forty-six (46) 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. Communities and local government units surrounding Pinatubo are reminded to be always prepared for both earthquake and volcanic hazards and to review, prepare and strengthen their contingency, emergency, and other disaster preparedness plans.