The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert status of the Taal Volcano in Batangas from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest).
In its official bulletin, the Taal Volcano Main Crater generated a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst at 0722H PST which was followed by nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity.
These events generated plumes up to 1500 meters high and were accompanied by volcanic earthquake and infrasound signals.
“In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3. This means that there is magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions. PHIVOLCS strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas Province be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions subsequently occur,” read the bulletin.
It advised the public to avoid any further activities within the Taal Lake.
“The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited. All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time. Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains its close monitoring of Taal Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders,” it added.
