Taal observed with increased seismic activity

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that it observed real-time seismic energy measurements and volcanic tremors on Sunday.

Since Tuesday, 1 July, Phivolcs reported that two low-frequency volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by the stations within the Taal Volcano Network.

Despite the increase in real-time seismic energy, there was a reported absence of a degassing plume from the volcano’s main crater.

The seismic agency added that the latest volcanic activities in Taal could signify a possible blockage or plugging of the volcanic gas pathways, indicating the potential for short-term pressurization that could lead to a minor phreatomagmatic eruption.

Taal Volcano has been placed under Alert Level 1 since July 2022.

In a press release, state seismologists emphasized that Alert Level 1 is still considered abnormal and the public must not interpret it to mean “ceased unrest.”

“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island,” the advisory read.

Phivolcs added that entry to the volcano island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the area of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure, remains prohibited.

Based on the agency’s latest 24-hour monitoring, the volcanic plume from Taal Volcano in Batangas slightly increased from 900 meters to 1,200 meters.

Phivolcs described the latest volcanic plume as a “moderate emission” as it drifted in a northeast direction.

With the volcano’s unrest, the agency advised the local government units to prepare for a possible increase in sulfur dioxide levels which could affect nearby communities.