In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network did not detect any volcanic earthquake, however, low-level background tremor has persisted since 08 April 2021. Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1,200 meters tall that drifted to the northeast. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 2338 tonnes/day on 06 June 2021. Temperature highs of 71.8°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake respectively on 04 March and 12 February 2021. Based on ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring, Taal Volcano Island has begun deflating in April 2021 while the Taal region has been very slowly and steadily inflating and expanding at diminishing rates since after the eruption in 2020. These parameters indicate a decline in magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is currently maintained over Taal Volcano. 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 must be strictly prohibited 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. 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.
