More quakes detected around Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — More volcanic earthquakes were recorded around Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours as it continued to exhibit “magmatic unrest.”

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there were 185 quakes detected by the Taal Volcano Monitoring Network. Of the figure, 176 were volcanic tremors with durations of one to 16 minutes.

On Sunday, Phivolcs recorded 74 volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour observation period.

The agency yesterday continued to record “high levels” of volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the main crater.

A steam-rich plume that rose 1,500 meters before drifting southwest and west-northwest was likewise observed from the main crater.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will install locally developed air quality monitors in areas in Cavite and Batangas that are being affected by Taal’s activity.

Air quality monitoring machines called robust optical aerosol monitor (ROAM) will be installed in select communities in Agoncillo and Tagaytay as well as in Alfonso, Cavite.

The ROAM machines will measure the amount of particulate matter in the air and reduce the effects of air pollution in communities and workplaces, the DOST said. – Rainier Allan Ronda