The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned the public to be vigilant, as they observe a slight increase in seismic activities of Taal Volcano.
State volcanologists also noticed changes in the lake of its main crater.
Phivolcs said that it has recorded 50 “relatively weak” tremor episodes from the volcano starting 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. of February 15.
The advisory also said that some 68 shallow tremor episodes were also tallied since February 13 from the volcano island, and there was an increase in acidity and temperature of the main crater lake as well.
Moreover, geochemical data on the main crater lake indicated continuous acidification of lake water from a pH 2.79 to pH 1.59 between January 2020 and February 2021.
“An unseasonal temperature high of 77º C and CO2/H2S gas flux ratios consistent with shallow magma degassing,” the advisory added.
“The public is reminded that Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) prevails over Taal Volcano. There are increased possibilities of sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, hazardous volcanic gas, and minor ashfall from the Main Crater Lake that can occur and threaten areas within the island,” Phivolcs said.
Taal Volcano erupted last January 12, 2020, during which at least half a million residents of the CALABARZON region were affected.
