Possibility of Taal Eruption 'Increasing,' Limited to Volcano Island: Phivolcs

There's an "increasing possibility" of a phreatic or steam-driven eruption in Taal Volcano that is "similar" to the one experienced in January 2020, the country's chief volcanologist said Wednesday.

Such a threat, however, is limited to the volcano island, that is inside Taal Lake, said Phivolcs Chief Renato Solidum. Over a 24-hour period that ended early Wednesday, 69 tremors were recorded in the vicinity, he said.

The tremors, which are prolonged, indicate hydrothermal activity, Solidum said. This means hot gas is escaping from beneath the ground, triggering earthquakes at it passes through magma or molten rocks, Solidum said.

The same phenomenon is causing the temperature in Taal Lake to increase, he said.

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"Tumataas ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng phreatic eruption or explosion na tulad ng nangyari noong Jan. 12, 2020 sa Taal Volcano," Solidum told the Laging Handa public briefing.

"Itong ganitong pangamba ay makakaapekto lamang sa kasalukuyan sa Volcano Island mismo. Kaya tayo nagremind na wala dapat pahintulutang tao na pumasok sa permanent danger zone," he said.

Dozens of villagers were evacuated from Volcano Island on Monday after authorities noted an increase in volcanic earthquakes.

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