The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned that residents should not visit their houses in the danger zone even though Taal Volcano appears to be ‘calmer’.
Philvolcs Director Renato Solidum said this should not give residents a false sense of security.
Some say that there might be a slowdown on Taal’s eruption and lesser volcanic activity.
“Puwedeng masabi ninyo na mas mahina ‘yung nangyayari at minsan ay nagiging false sense of security kaya pumupunta ‘yung ibang tao at bumabalik. Hindi ‘yan ang basehan namin bakit namin itinaas ang alert level 4,” Solidum said in a media briefing.
Taal Volcano is still on alert level 4, which means that a hazardous eruption is imminent within days or weeks.
The number of evacuees from affected areas was pegged at more than 18,000.
Solidum explained that earthquakes and reported fissures or cracks on the ground are signs of the volcano’s unrest, which should not be taken lightly.
“Ibig sabihin, umaakyat ‘yung volume ng magma na puwede pa mag-supply doon sa eruption ng Taal,” Solidum said.
Fissures were seen in the towns of Argoncillo and Lemery.
“We need the cooperation of everyone. ‘Yung scenario ng hazardous explosive eruption is a real scenario. That has been exhibited by Taal Volcano,” Solidum said.
