Reports of Taal Volcano's tremors have prompted some to rethink their upcoming trips to Tagaytay due to fears of a possible eruption.
On Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its 8 a.m. bulletin that the Taal Volcano network recorded nine tremor episodes with durations of 70-80 seconds in the past 24 hours.
Alert Level 1, which has been in place since March 2020, remains in effect which means that the volcano's activity remains abnormal and an eruption is still possible.
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So can people go to Tagaytay this weekend? So far, Phivolcs only recommends strict restriction of entry into the Taal Volcano Island and Taal's Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure.
"Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest," Phivolcs said.
Tagaytay Mayor Agnes Tolentino, in a Feb. 16 statement, said that people in Tagaytay City need not evacuate yet even with Alert Level 1 raised.
"Sa ilalim ng alert level na ito, maaaring magkaroon ng pagbuga ng abo, paglindol sandhi ng aktibidad ng bulken, at pagsingaw ng volcanic gas. Ang anumang paglikas ng mga mamamayan sa Tagaytay ay hindi pa kinakailangan sa kasalukuyan," Tolentino said following the evacuation of some individuals from the Taal Volcano island.
"Pinapayuhan ang mga mamamayan na manatiling alerts at pag-ibayuhin ang paghahanda," she added.
Phivolcs had assured the public that it is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will immediately be reported.
