Explained: What's Happening at Taal Volcano

Dozens were evacuated on Taal's volcano island, authorities said Tuesday, after they recorded increased activity one year after its last major eruption.

What are the warning signs?

Compared to Saturday and Sunday, there have been more frequent earthquakes in the vicinity of Taal Volcano. Around 50 were recorded on Monday alone, said resident vulcanologist Paolo Reniva.

The PH level or acidity of the crater lake also decreased, he said.

What does this mean?

The earthquakes and less acidic lake point to changes inside the volcano. Magma or molten rocks and/or gas could be shifting, he said.

What will this lead to?

This could lead to a steam-driven or phreatic eruption, he said. Though at the current alert, Level 1, an eruption is unlikely, based on Phivolcs warnings.

Will Taal volcano erupt?

Phivolcs can't say for sure. While Level 1 is the lowest (except Alert 0), Reniva said an eruption at Alert Level 1 was still possible. Alert Level 1 has been in place since March 2020.

"Pinapaalalahanan ang taumbayahn na maging handa at maging alerto sa anumang aktibidad ng Taal Volcano," he said.

Will Alert Level 1 be upgraded?

Phivolcs is monitoring activity in the volcano's vicinity to determine if it's warranted, he said.

ALSO READ:

Disaster Alerts Explained: How to Prepare, When to Evacuate 

Taal Volcano Villagers Evacuated from Permanent Danger Zone 

First Storm of 2021: Low Pressure Area May Intensify Into Auring

Here's an excerpt of Reniva's interview with local radio in Batangas.