Taal, Bulusan intensify activity anew; Mayon quiet

Restive Taal Volcano in Batangas acted up anew Wednesday, as state volcanologists recorded at least 13 volcanic quakes in the last 24 hours. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology also recorded increased activity at Bulusan in Sorsogon, with 13 quakes from six recorded on Tuesday. "Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 13 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. One of these events, which occurred at 3:17 p.m. (Tuesday), was felt at Intensity III (weak) in Barangay Calauit on the southeastern part of the island accompanied by rumbling sound; and Intensity I (barely felt) at Barangay Pira-piraso at the northeastern side of the island," Phivolcs said in its Wednesday update. On Tuesday, Phivolcs said it recorded only six quakes in the previous 24 hours at Taal. In its Wednesday update, Phivolcs also noted the temperature at the Main Crater Lake increased from 30.5 to 31.5 degrees Celsius. Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, Phivolcs said.

See the complete table on the Phivolcs website.

13 quakes at Bulusan At Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon, Phivolcs said eight volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the past 24 hours. Phivolcs said Bulusan's status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. But it said entry to the 4-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Mayon 'quiet' Phivolcs said Mayon Volcano in Albay province was relatively quiet as no volcanic earthquake was recorded in its seismic network during the past 24 hours. But it noted weak white steam drifting southwest, and crater glow at Intensity II Tuesday night. Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, meaning that while no eruption is imminent, the public should not enter the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. — RSJ, GMA News