Phivolcs: 11 quakes recorded at Taal in last 24 hrs

At least 11 volcanic quakes were recorded near Taal Volcano in Batangas in the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Friday. In its Friday updates, Phivolcs also recorded two volcanic quakes each in Bulusan (Sorsogon) and Mayon (Albay) in the last 24 hours. "Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 11 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. One of these quakes, which occurred at 5:33 a.m. (Thursday), was felt at Intensity I at Barangay Calauit at the southeastern side of the Volcano Island and was accompanied by rumbling sounds. Epicenter was located approximately 500m offshore east of the Volcano Island and with a depth of 0.9 km," Phivolcs said. It also said the water 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. Phivolcs maintained its advice to the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Also, it said the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Quakes each in Mayon, Bulusan Phivolcs said Mayon Volcano’s seismic network recorded two volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. It also said an Intensity II crater glow was noted Thursday night. Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, meaning the public should not enter the 6-km PDZ due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rock falls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. It added 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. Meanwhile, two volcanic quakes were also recorded around Bulusan while steaming at the southeast vents was wispy. Phivolcs said Bulusan's status remains at Alert Level 1. Entry to the 4-km radius 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 ash falls," it said. Furthermore, it said people living near valleys and river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. — LBG, GMA News