Taal Volcano update March 22

In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded thirty-six (36) volcanic earthquakes, including twenty-seven (27) episodes of volcanic tremor having durations of one (1) to eight (8) minutes.

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 1184 tonnes/day was measured yesterday, 21 March 2021.

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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).

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.

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Also read: DOH eyes ‘circuit breaker lockdown’ instead of ECQ for Metro Manila

Taal Volcano update March 22

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.

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Meanwhile, Pinatubo Volcano’s monitoring network recorded six (6) 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.