This serves as notice for the raising of the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 0 (normal) to Alert Level 1 (abnormal).

 There has been a recent change in the condition of Taal Volcano based on the following observed changes in monitoring parameters:

1. Volcanic Earthquake Activity: A total of fifty (50) volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by Taal Volcano’s seismic monitoring network since 22 March 2019. This recent earthquake swarm may indicate rock-fracturing beneath the edifice possibly associated with hydrothermal activity. Prior to this, the frequency of volcanic earthquakes is on average within the baseline levels (0-5 events/day) since 2016.
2. Ground Deformation: Cumulative elevation changes of the volcanic edifice based on precise leveling (PL) measurements this March 2019 indicate that it has slightly inflated relative to November 2018 after a period of general deflation since 2016. Slight inflation of the edifice starting on January 2019 was also recorded by continuous Global Positioning Systems (GPS) after a period of general deflation since 2016.

3. Gas Emission: Dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in Taal Main Crater Lake (MCL) based on continuous measurements have been gradually increasing since February 2019, indicating a slight increase in the input of volcanic CO₂ degassing from the hydrothermal system into the lake.

In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1.  This means that the volcano is at an abnormal condition. The public is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions can occur and high concentrations of lethal volcanic gases can be released. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, can also become hazardous when fumarolic or degassing activity along existing fissures suddenly increases. Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended.

DOST-PHIVOLCS