Phivolcs notes increased seismic activities at Taal, Mayon

State seismologists have noted increased volcanic tremors around Taal Volcano in Batangas and Mayon Volcano in Albay province, but maintained that alert level 1 remains over both volcanoes, a radio report said Thursday. DzBB's Carlo Mateo quoted Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Dr. Renato Solidum as saying that Phivolcs has recorded 10 volcanic quakes around Taal and four tremors around Mayon in the last 24 hours. The report said Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 1 on both volcanoes.

See the complete table on the Phivolcs website.

Phivolcs noted an increase in seismic activity around Taal this month, but maintained this is not enough to raise the alert level there. "At present, no imminent eruption is indicated although the public is advised to observe some safety precautions," it said in a September 28 advisory posted Thursday on its website. It said that from September 1 to 27, a total of 274 volcanic earthquakes, or an average of 10 events per day, were recorded. Last Monday, a quake at Taal was felt at Intensity III in Barangays Calauit, Tuoran and Pira-piraso, north and northeast of the Volcano Island and was accompanied by rumbling sounds. Another event was also felt at Intensity I at Calauit at 9:16 p.m. last Sunday, it said. It also said three unfelt volcanic earthquakes were recorded at 11:08 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. Monday, and 3:21 a.m. Tuesday. But it said field surveys at the Main Crater and at the 1965-1977 New Eruption site indicated no anomalous observations in the thermal and surface manifestations of both areas. "In this regard, Phivolcs reminds the general public that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also be dangerous when increased steam emission is reactivated along existing fissures," it said. Also, it reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Phivolcs lowered the alert level at Taal to "1" last August 2, after noting lower levels of volcanic activity there. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV