The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the alert level status of Taal Volcano to Alert Level 4, which means an eruption is imminent.
“As of 5:30 PM PST (1730H), eruptive activity at Taal Volcano Main Crater intensified as continuous eruption generated a tall 10-15 kilometer steam-laden tephra column with frequent volcanic lightning that rained wet ashfall on the general north as far as Quezon City.
“Volcanic tremor was recorded continuously since 11:00 AM and two volcanic earthquakes of magnitudes M2.5 and M3.9 were felt at Intensity III in Tagaytay City and Alitagtag, Batangas were recorded at 6:15 and 6:22 PM PST, respectively,” PHIVOLCS said in a statement.
Alert Level 4 means that hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days.
DOST-PHIVOLCS suggests that a total evacuation in Taal Volcano Island and additional evacuation in areas at high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within a 14-kilometer radius from Taal Main Crater.
Areas in the general north of Taal Volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall.
PHIVOLCS added that aviation authorities must advise aircraft 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.
Several cities in Metro Manila have declared class suspensions in all level because of Taal volcano explosion.
