Phivolcs warns of high carbon dioxide levels at Taal Volcano crater

Citing records showing increased carbon dioxide levels in the area, state volcanologists warned visitors and tourists Friday against venturing near the crater of Taal Volcano – a popular summer tourist attraction in Batangas province. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) head Renato Solidum Jr. said carbon dioxide levels in March were more than four times higher that those recorded last year. “Masyadong mataas ang carbon dioxide na lumalabas sa kanyang crater. Last year 1,000 tons per day, tumaas nitong taong ito. Since January, 2,000 tons per day at sa March 4,600 tons per day," Solidum said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said this was due to magma underground releasing gas. “Ang aming reminder huwag pumasok ang mga tao, turista o sinuman sa crater ng volcano kasi delikado (We are reminding the public, especially tourists, not to get close to the crater," he said. Solidum said carbon dioxide is dangerous to humans and may cause dizziness and suffocation. “Delikado ang carbon dioxide sa tao. Pag sobra ang nalanghap namamatay," he said. On Thursday, Phivolcs also noted increased activity at Taal Volcano, including more volcanic quakes and occasional intensification of steaming activities. However, it said the alert level at Taal will remain at "1" for the moment. "The number of volcanic earthquakes recorded daily remained above the background level of up to 14 events per day. Felt earthquakes of varying intensities from Intensity I to III and rumbling sounds occasionally occur. Hypocenters of plotted volcanic earthquakes were shallow, ranging from a depth of 1.0 to 5.0 kms," Phivolcs said in its update. Also, it said there was occasional intensification of steaming activities observed at the northern portion of the Main Crater Lake and at the upper Daang Kastila. Increased steaming and bubbling activities at the 1998 reactivated thermal vent were also noticed from time to time, it said. Phivolcs added gas measurements conducted at Taal Main Crater Lake last January and March showed carbon dioxide emission flux increased from 2,250 tons per day to 4,670 t/d. "The remarkable increase in (carbon dioxide) concentration indicates anomalous gas release from the magma at depth," it said. Phivolcs added precise leveling measurements conducted in February 2011 around the flanks of Volcano Island showed that the volcano edifice is slightly inflated as compared with the December 2010 survey. Since June 2010, the volcano exhibited a general inflationary trend, it added. "In view of the above observations, Phivolcs reiterates Alert Level 1 and its recommendation over Taal Volcano. At present, no imminent eruption is indicated. However, the public is advised to strictly observe some safety precautions," it said. Phivolcs reminded the public that the Main Crater should remain strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. "Breathing air with high concentration [of toxic gases] can be lethal to humans, animals and even cause damage to vegetation," it said. It added the northern portion of the Main Crater rim in the vicinity of Daang Kastila trail, may also be dangerous when increase steam emission is reactivated along existing fissures. The public was also reminded that entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Last Wednesday, Phivolcs said at least four volcanic quakes were recorded in the last 24 hours. — LBG, GMA News