9 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal in 24 hours

Restive Taal Volcano in Batangas showed signs of heightened activity anew in the last 24 hours, as state seismologists recorded at least nine volcanic quakes there during that period. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology also recorded weak steaming activity at the thermal area in the Main Crater Lake. "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. Phivolcs reminds the general 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," it said in its Friday bulletin. Also, it noted water temperature in the area slightly increased from 30 degrees Celsius to 30.5 degrees, although the water has become slightly less acidic.

See the complete table on the Phivolcs website.

On the other hand, Phivolcs reiterated its warning to visitors to keep away from Taal’s main crater due to high concentrations of carbon dioxide there. "Inhaling CO2 gas can cause negative effects such as headache, dizziness, muscular weakness and fainting. Breathing air with high concentration can be lethal to human(s), animals and even cause damage to vegetation," it said. 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, it added. Phivolcs likewise reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. 3 quakes at Bulusan At Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon, Phivolcs recorded at least three volcanic quakes in the last 24 hours. It also recorded "wispy to weak emission" of white steam at the southeast and northwest thermal vents while the summit crater was cloud-covered during the past observation period. Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. Phivolcs said entry to the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. "Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls," it said. "Civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. If possible aircraft should avoid flying on the western side of the volcano as volcanic debris are likely to be carried in this direction by the prevailing winds," it added. Mayon quiet Meanwhile, Mayon Volcano in Albay was relatively quiet, with no volcanic earthquake during the past 24 hours. Steam from the crater was moderate and drifted south-southwest. However, a fair crater glow (Intensity II, can be seen by naked eye) was observed Thursday night, Phivolcs said. Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, meaning that while no eruption is imminent, it is still recommended that the public should not enter the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). It cited the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. "Active stream/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. — RSJ, GMA News