NDRRMC: Volcanic quakes recorded near Mayon, Taal

Volcanic quakes were recorded near Taal Volcano in Batangas and Mayon Volcano in Albay Sunday, prompting disaster management officials to remind the public not to venture into the volcanos' danger zones. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) cited findings from the last 24 hours that nine quakes were recorded at Taal while one quake and one rockfall were recorded at Mayon. "Due to its abnormal condition, (Taal's) Main Crater should be off-limits to the public because steam explosions may suddenly occur and high concentration of toxic gases may accumulate," NDRRMC said in its Monday report. It added the northern portion of the main crater near Daang Kastila Trail may be dangerous when increased steam emission is reactivated there. The NDRRMC reminded the public the entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone and warned against permanent settlement there. On the other hand, the NDRRMC said at least one volcanic quake and one rockfall was recorded near restive Mayon Volcano in Albay province Sunday. "The current activities of the volcano indicate that its condition is still abnormal," the NDRRMC said. It reminded residents not to venture into Mayon's six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the threat of small explosions and rockfalls from the volcano's upper and middle slopes. "Active channels and those identified as lahar-prone areas in the southern sectors should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," it said. - KBK, GMANews.TV