Restive Taal Volcano in Batangas showed heightened activity anew on Saturday with at least 19 volcanic quakes recorded within 24 hours, state volcanologists said.
In its Saturday update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also recorded four quakes in Bulusan Volcano and one in Mayon Volcano.
“Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. One of these events, which occurred at 12:23 midnight, was felt at Intensity II at Brgy. Calauit on the southeastern part of the Volcano Island. Another event which occurred at 4:31 AM today was felt at Intensity III in Brgy. Pira-piraso at the northeastern part of Volcano Island accompanied by rumbling sounds," Phivolcs said.
Also, it noted the temperature at the Main Crater Lake increased from 30.5 to 31.5 degrees Celsius.
Phivolcs warned that Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano, with magma noted near the surface.
The agency maintained that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail, and Mt. Tabaro are still strictly off-limits to the public because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may be present.
“Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to humans, animals and even cause damage to vegetation," it said.
Also, Phivolcs reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.
Four quakes at Bulusan
In Sorsogon, Phivolcs recorded at least four volcanic earthquakes at Bulusan Volcano during the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs also noted “wispy" steaming activity at the southeast vents.
Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow.
However, Phivolcs maintained that entry to the 4-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is constantly at risk of 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," the agency 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.
Phivolcs said that 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.
Also, people living near valleys and river channels are advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
One quake, weak steaming at Mayon
Meanwhile, in Albay, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic quake and weak steaming drifting west-northwest and north-northwest in the last 24 hours.
Phivolcs also recorded an Intensity II crater glow Friday night (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=863:mayon-volcano-bulletin-23-april-2011-800-am&catid=70:latest-volcano-bulletin&Itemid=500001).
Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, meaning that, while no eruption is imminent, the public should still not enter the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfall from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.
The agency added that active streams, river channels, and 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. - TJD
