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At 6:17 and 6:21 AM today, Taal Volcano erupted short-lived dark gray ash plumes 500 meters and 800 meters high, respectively, that dispersed ash southwest to west of the Main Crater. Activity in the past 24 hours has generally waned to weak emission of steam-laden plumes 700 meters high that dispersed ash to the southwest.
The Philippine Seismic Network plotted a total of five hundred sixty-six (566) volcanic earthquakes since 1:00 PM, January 12, 2020. One hundred seventy-two (172) of these registered at magnitudes M1.2 – M4.1 and were felt at Intensities I – V. Since 5:00 AM on January 15, 2020 until 5:00 AM today, there were one-hundred three (103) volcanic earthquakes plotted, fourteen (14) of these registered at magnitudes M1.4 -M4.0 and were felt at Intensities I – III. Such intense seismic activity likely signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 4186 tonnes/day on 15 January 2020.
Alert Level 4 still remains in effect over Taal Volcano. This means that hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within the 14-km radius from Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed. Residents around Taal Volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid the airspace around Taal Volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is continually monitoring the eruption and will update all stakeholders of further developments.