Phivolcs: 31 volcanic quakes at Taal in last 24 hours

A day after 115 volcanic quakes were recorded there, Taal Volcano in Batangas continued to show signs of increased seismic activity, with 31 volcanic quakes recorded there in the last 24 hours. Five of the quakes were felt by residents and accompanied by rumbling sounds, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Tuesday. In its Tuesday update, Phivolcs said the five events were felt from Intensity I to II in Pira-piraso and Calauit, at the northeast and southeast sectors of the volcano. One event at 11:41 a.m. was felt at Intensity I, while four events at 7:26, 9:28, 9:30 a.m. and 6:16 p.m. were felt at Intensity II. 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. It added the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. Mayon watch In Albay, Phivolcs said one volcanic earthquake and one rockfall-related event were recorded at Mayon Volcano during the past 24 hours. Steaming activity at the crater was moderate with white steam clouds creeping down slope towards northeast, it added. A fair crater glow at Intensity II, which can be seen by the naked eye, was observed Monday night. Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, and recommended that 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. 3 quakes at Bulusan Meanwhile in Sorsogon, Phivolcs recorded three volcanic earthquakes at Bulusan Volcano during the past 24 hours. Phivolcs said steaming at the northwest, southeast and southwest thermal vents varied from wispy to weak characterized by emission of white steam clouds that reached up to 50 meters above the active vents and drifting towards southwest. Bulusan's status remains at Alert Level 1, where entry to the 4-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. — RSJ, GMA News