This is a notice of elevated increase in seismic activity at Taal Volcano.

Since ongoing unrest began on 13 February 2021, a total of two thousand fifteen (2,015) volcanic tremors, seven hundred thirty-four (734) low-frequency volcanic earthquakes and eighteen (18) hybrid earthquake events have been recorded by the Taal Volcano Network. Harmonic tremor associated with magma migration has become the dominant type of earthquake since 19 March 2021. Most earthquake events occurred at shallow depths of <2 kilometers although some large earthquakes were generated in the deeper 2-6 kilometers region beneath the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) edifice. Overall seismic energy release has markedly increased since yesterday afternoon compared to previous seismic swarms. Sulfur dioxide gas emission in the previous week has been generally high with a peak of 1,184 tonnes/day on 21 March 2021. Ground deformation of TVI and the Taal Caldera region in general has remained steady and at slight inflationary trends since February 2021. The above parameters indicate that magma has been migrating across shallow depths beneath TVI, increasing the possibilities of magmatic eruption.

Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is currently maintained over Taal Volcano but that unrest has been elevating and is under constant evaluation. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at Alert Level 2, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around TVI. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake, must be strictly prohibited. Local government units are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest. Civil aviation authorities  must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.

DOST-PHIVOLCS