The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) on Thursday advised the public to remain on alert as it recorded a low-level alert activity in the Taal Volcano.
In its 7 PM advisory, Philvocs said shallow but continuous volcanic tremor has been recorded in the 15 seismic stations of the Taal Volcano Network, accompanied by increased thermal anomalies on the northern portion and upwelling of volcanic fluids in the Taal Main Crater Lake.
"There has been a slight increase in SO2 degassing in the past two weeks indicated by a rise in the average emissions to 5,360 tonnes/day between 22 May and 1 June 2023 from averages of less than 3,000 tonnes/day between 1 April and 21 May 2023," the state seismologist said.
Philvocs added that since the end-May, southwest Volcano Island also had pronounced inflation after a longer phase of deflation.
"These parameters indicate that shallow hydrothermal activity driven by a new phase of magma degassing at depth is currently taking place at Taal Volcano," it said.
Alert Level will still prevail over Taal Volcano as it is presently still in an abnormal condition. But Philvocs said it may raise the level to Alert Level 2 if the volcano's low-level activity worsens or pronounced changes in parameters forewarn of increasing unrest.
The state seismologist advised citizens to refrain from passing into Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
"Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest," it added.
