Phivolcs Warns of Taal Volcano's Increasing Unrest

Taal Volcano's unrest is elevating as shown by its volcanic activity, Phivolcs said Wednesday as it warned that the possibility of a magmatic eruption is increasing.

Phivolcs on Wednesday issued a notice of elevated increase in Taal's seismic activity, saying parameters indicate that magma has been moving across shallow depths beneath the Taal Volcano Island, "increasing the possibilities of magmatic eruption."

Alert Level 2 which means there is “increased unrest,” is currently maintained over Taal, Phivolcs said but noted that “that unrest has been elevating and is under constant evaluation.”

Since Feb. 13, 2021, Phivolcs said Taal has recorded 2,015 volcanic tremors, 734 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and 18 hybrid earthquake events.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake, must strictly be prohibited, Phivolcs said.

"Local government units are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest," it added.

The public is reminded that at alert level 2, sudden steam-driven or paretic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano island.

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