Phivolcs warns of Taal’s ‘elevated’ seismic activity

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 259 volcanic earthquakes around Taal Volcano in Batangas in the past 24 hours as it warned of “increasing possibilities” of a magmatic eruption.

Phivolcs said 236 of the volcanic tremors lasted for one to 22 minutes.

In an advisory issued yesterday, the agency reported an “elevated” increase in seismic activity in the volcano.

The Taal Volcano Network has recorded at least 2,015 volcanic tremors, 734 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes and 18 hybrid earthquake events since Feb. 13.

“Harmonic tremor associated with magma migration has become the dominant type of earthquake since March 19,” Phivolcs said.

“Overall seismic energy release has markedly increased since yesterday afternoon compared to previous seismic swarms,” it added.

Sulfur dioxide gas emission in the previous week has been generally high with a peak of 1,184 tons per day on March 21.

“The above parameters indicate that magma has been migrating across shallow depths beneath Taal Volcano Island, increasing the possibilities of magmatic eruption,” Phivolcs said.

A weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 10 meters was also observed. Sulfur dioxide emission was measured at 813 tons on Tuesday.

The volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which means it is exhibiting increased unrest.

Phivolcs said sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosion, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsion of volcanic gas could occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island, which is a permanent danger zone.

Entry into the volcano island, especially the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.

Taal, which erupted in January last year, displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

‘Mt. Pinatubo not erupting’

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) warned the public against false information about Mt. Pinatubo circulating on various social media platforms.

OCD information officer Francesca Quizon said no imminent eruption is foreseen as Mt. Pinatubo is under alert level 1 or low level of unrest.

Quizon said Phivolcs cited “persistent low seismicity or magmatic, tectonic or hydrothermal disturbance beneath the volcano” for raising Alert Level 1.

“We remind the public, especially in Central Luzon, that when it comes to the status of Mt. Pinatubo and other disasters,  please follow only the official social media page or website of our warning agencies,” she said. – Ding Cervantes ,Ric Sapnu