Increased seismic energy recorded in Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — A pronounced increase in real-time seismic energy measurement was recorded in Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported yesterday.

Phivolcs said its visual observations also noticed the absence of degassing plume from Taal’s main crater since the start of the real-time seismic energy measurement increase on Jan. 4.

“The sharp increase in real-time seismic energy measurement and the lack of observable degassing from the main crater may indicate blockage or plugging of volcanic gas pathways within the volcano, which may lead to short-term pressurization and trigger a phreatic or even a minor phreatomagmatic eruption,” Phivolcs warned.

At least 12 volcanic earthquakes, including six tremor events, were recorded since Jan. 1, the agency reported.

Phivolcs is reminding the public that Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano, which means that it is “still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.”

“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island,” Phivolcs said.

Kanlaon remains restive

Meanwhile, Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol yesterday said Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island remains restive even if its activity is fluctuating.

“We cannot still say (that its restiveness is subsiding) as its activity is fluctuating. Sometimes the measurements are high, sometimes (the measurements are) low. We cannot say there is either a downtrend or uptrend on the parameters,” Bacolcol said.

He reported that Kanlaon emitted at least 3,639 tons per day of sulfur dioxide, with at least 37 volcanic earthquakes recorded.

“These (numbers) are still elevated,” Bacolcol said, noting that steaming was recorded at 500 meters high.

“That’s the reason why we are still implementing Alert Level 3. We cannot lower it now as we don’t see a downtrend in the parameters. But, again, when we say Alert Level 3, we want to remind the public that the possibility of sudden eruption is still possible,” Bacolcol said.