Taal Volcano: Experts Detect New Earthquakes, Sulfur And Steam Emissions

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported in its latest bulletin that it had detected a new batch of volcanic earthquakes from the Taal Volcano. The agency noted that the seismic movements indicate magmatic movement beneath the volcano, which could result in an eruption.

The Taal Volcano’s ongoing unrest has officially entered its second month following its phreatic eruption on Jan. 12. Although the volcano’s status has already been downgraded since its initial eruption, PHIVOLCS warned that the threat of a violent explosion from Taal’s crater is still present.

In its Feb. 10 morning bulletin, PHIVOLCS noted that it had recorded 77 volcanic earthquakes from the volcano. These include 11 harmonic tremors that lasted from one to four minutes each.

Aside from the seismic activity, the agency also detected steam emissions up to 50 meters high in the last 24 hours. PHIVOLCS also noted that the volcano’s sulfur dioxide emissions measure an average of 116 tons a day since Feb. 8.

According to the agency, the volcano’s seismic activities and emissions are strong indications that magma is still moving beneath Taal’s edifice. This means that the Taal Volcano is still in danger of causing a powerful interruption.

Due to the volcano’s current status, Taal is still at Alert Level 3. If the condition of the volcano worsens, PHIVOLCS will most likely change its status back to Alert Level 4, which means an eruption could happen within hours or days.

Since the volcano is still unstable, a 7-kilometer danger zone around Taal is still in effect. Residents are prohibited from entering this zone due to safety reasons.

“Alert Level 3 is maintained over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that sudden steam-driven and even weak phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and lethal volcanic gas expulsions can still occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island and nearby lakeshores,” PHIVOLCS stated.

“DOST-PHIVOLCS recommends that entry into the Taal Volcano Island as well as into areas over Taal Lake and communities west of the island within a seven (7) km radius from the Main Crater must be strictly prohibited,” the agency continued.