(File Photo) Taal Volcano 
NATION

Taal Volcano records 6 quakes in 24 hours

Gabriela Baron

Six earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano over the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday, 12 July.

In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs said two volcanic tremors, each lasting six to seven minutes, accompanied the quakes on Friday.

In the same 24-hour observation period, state volcanologists noted that the volcano emitted 1,538 metric tons of sulfur dioxide, consistent with daily emissions since 9 July.

Taal also released steam-rich plumes reaching heights of 1,500 meters, drifting northeast and east.

Phivolcs described the activity as a “voluminous emission,” though there were no reports of upwelling hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

The volcano remains under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest.

Despite the relatively low alert level, entry into the TVI — especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures — as well as boating and occupancy on Taal Lake, remains prohibited.

Flying aircraft close to the volcano is also restricted due to potential hazards, including steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and possible accumulation or release of volcanic gases.