Taal shows increased seismic activity

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday reported heightened seismic activity from Taal Volcano in Batangas.

Phivolcs said that since 5:25 a.m., monitoring stations of the Taal Volcano Network (TVN) on Taal Volcano Island (TVI) detected a rise in real-time seismic energy accompanied by continuing volcanic tremor.

Since August 9, the volcano has registered 19 volcanic earthquakes. It has also been releasing an average of 374 tonnes of sulfur dioxide per day since August 8, with voluminous plumes reaching up to 1,200 meters before drifting east-northwest and northeast.

Phivolcs warned that the increasing seismic energy could lead to a phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruption.

Taal remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level unrest.

“Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano, which means that it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity,” Phivolcs said in a statement.

The public is advised to remain alert against possible hazards, including steam-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and the lethal accumulation of volcanic gas.

Entry into TVI, the main crater, and Daang Kastila remains strictly prohibited.

Phivolcs urged local government units to prepare for possible sulfur dioxide emissions and implement measures to mitigate health risks.