Taal Volcano is Downgraded to Alert Level 1, What Does It Mean?

Taal Volcano has been lowered to Alert Level 1 which means low-level unrest from Alert level 2 or decreased unrest, state volcanologists said Monday, citing decreased volcanic earthquakes and volcanic gas emissions.

Even if the volcano alert level was downgraded, Taal remains in "abnormal condition" and sudden explosions or volcanic earthquakes can still occur, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

"Alert Level 1 means that the volcano is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted that unrest has ceased or that the threat of an eruption has disappeared," Phivolcs said in its bulletin.

In March this year, Taal Volcano belched steam and was raised to Alert Level 3.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island and Taal's permanent danger zone especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure remains prohibited.

Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated villages around Taal Lake for damage, Phivolcs said.

READ: Volcanoes are Like People and Taal Eruptions Follow This Pattern