Phivolcs: Quakes recorded near Taal Volcano, Mayon Volcano

At least six volcanic quakes were recorded around restive Taal Volcano in Batangas on Sunday and early Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Phivolcs said at least two volcanic quakes were also recorded at Mayon Volcano in Bicol in the last 24 hours. "Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded six volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. One of these events, which occurred at 3:01 a.m. early this morning, was felt at Intensity II by residents in Barangay Pira-Piraso at the northern side of the volcano island," Phivolcs said in separate bulletins on its website. However, Phivolcs said the steaming activity at the thermal area inside the Main Crater Lake of Taal Volcano was still weak. Still, it said the volcano's status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning a hazardous eruption is not imminent. "However, the public is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits due to sudden occurrence of steam explosions and accumulation of toxic gases. 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," Phivolcs said. Phivolcs also reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. In Bicol, meanwhile, Phivolcs said two volcanic quakes were recorded around Mayon Volcano in the past 24 hours. White steam emission from the crater ranged from weak to moderate during the same observation period, it added. On the other hand, fair crater glow at Intensity II - visible to the naked eye - was observed Sunday night. Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 also remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, reminding the public not to venture inside the 6-kilometer (km) Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. "Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," it said. Meanwhile, Bulusan volcano was relatively quiet, with no volcanic quake recorded in the last 24 hours. However, Phivolcs maintained Bulusan's status remains at Alert Level 1, and no entry to its 4-km PDZ is allowed. "Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls," Phivolcs said. – VVP, GMANews.TV