Phivolcs: 14 volcanic quakes recorded at Taal in 24 hrs

At least 14 volcanic quakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas in the last 24 hours, state volcanologists said on Monday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the new number of recorded quakes was two more than the 12 quakes listed in the previous 24-hour period. "Patuloy na nakataas ang Alert Level 2. Mga 14 volcanic quakes ang naitala sa Taal. Bandang Sabado 19 quakes ang naitala, dalawa ang naramdaman at ang pinakamataas na Intensity III," PAGASA head Renato Solidum Jr. said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said a high number of volcanic quakes had been noted for the past week. On Sunday, Phivolcs said 12 quakes were recorded at Taal in a 24-hour period. Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface. Phivolcs reminded the public 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. Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to humans and animals, and even cause damage to vegetation, it added. Also, it reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Quake hits Batanes Meanwhile, a magnitude-3.1 quake rocked the Batanes area in extreme Northern Luzon Monday morning. Phivolcs said the quake was recorded at 6:53 a.m., with the epicenter at 115 km northwest of Basco, Batanes. No damage or aftershock was expected from the quake, Phivolcs said. - VVP, GMA News