Fewer tremor episodes were recorded in Taal Volcano in Batangas in the past 24 hours, but it remains on Alert Level 1, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin on Friday, Feb. 19, Phivolcs said the Taal Volcano Network recorded nine tremor episodes in the past 24 hours with durations of 70 to 80 seconds, significantly fewer than the 91 tremor recorded in the previous 24-hour period.
Weak emission of white steam-laden plumes from fumaroles that rose 40 meters high were also observed in the volcano’s main crater, while temperatures reaching 77.1 degrees Celsius and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on Feb. 12.
State seismologists reminded the public that Taal Volcano remains on Alert Level 1, which means that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Entry into the TVI and the volcano’s permanent danger zone, especially in the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, remains strictly prohibited. (Jhon Casinas)
