Phivolcs to conduct new Taal ground survey

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday sent a team to conduct another ground survey to determine if it is necessary to raise the alert status on Taal volcano in Batangas due to continued seismic activity.

Phivolcs detected a total of 17 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours, three of which were felt at Intensity 3 in Barangays Pira-piraso, Tibag, Tuoran and Calauit on the northeast and southeast sectors of the volcano island on Monday.

Phivolcs also noted an increase in the water temperature in the main crater lake from 30.5 to 31.5 degrees Celsius. 

It said results of the ground deformation survey conducted around the volcano island last April 5 to 11 showed a slight inflation. 

It, however, maintains alert level 2 at Taal which means that magma has been intruding toward the surface, as manifested by the high amount of carbon dioxide being released in the main crater lake and sustained seismic activity.

Phivolcs continues to remind the public that the main crater, Daang Kastila trail and Mt. Tabaro, the site of the 1965 and1977 eruptions, are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous, steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.

It said the entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone, and permanent settlement there is strictly not recommended.