This is a notice of elevated unrest at Taal Volcano.
In the past 24 hours, Taal Volcano’s monitoring network recorded two hundred eighty-eight (288) volcanic earthquakes, including thirty-nine (39) low frequency volcanic earthquakes and two hundred forty-nine (249) volcanic tremor events having durations of one (1) to twenty (20) minutes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 08 April 2021. Most of these earthquakes were very shallow and generated within five (5) kilometers beneath Taal Volcano Island or TVI and northeast Taal Lake. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake and active degassing from fumaroles on the Main Crater that produced 300-meter-tall steam-laden plumes were observed since daybreak. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 2,214 tonnes/day on 17 May 2021. Electronic tilt monitoring recorded a slight but very abrupt inflation of Taal Volcano Island that began yesterday, while longer-term ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring continue to record a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption. These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is currently maintained over Taal Volcano, but elevated unrest has been recurring and volcano conditions remain unstable. 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.
DOST-PHIVOLCS
