By Pearl Gumapos
The highest levels so far of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission and tall, steam-rich plumes from the Taal Main Crater were recorded on Sunday.
In its 4 p.m. update on July 4, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) said the SO2 emission averaged 22,628 tonnes per day – the highest ever recorded in Taal.
A total of 26 strong and very shallow low-frequency volcanic earthquakes associated with magmatic degassing was recorded beneath the eastern sector of the island.
According to Phivolcs, some of these earthquakes were accompanied by rumbling and weakly felt by fish cage caretakers of the northern shorelines of the island.
These observation parameters may indicate that an eruption similar to the July 1 event may occur anytime soon, Phivolcs said.
Current SO2 parameters indicate ongoing magmatic extrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding explosions.
Magmatic extrusion is the emission of magma from a vent or fissure onto the Earth’s surface where it forms a lava flow.
Increased SO2, coupled with high relative humidities of 79-91% and wind velocities of 0 meters/second over Taal Lake based on All-Weather Stations data from the Taal Volcano Observatory and Volcano Island, is also likely to promote the formation of volcanic smog (‘vog’) over the lakeshore communities of Batangas province.
The agency reminded the public that Alert Level 3 prevails over Taal Volcano, as the current SO2 parameters show ongoing magmatic extrusion at the main crater that might further drive succeeding explosions.
Phivolcs strongly recommended high-risk barangays to remain evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunamis should stronger eruptions subsequently occur.
The high-risk areas include Barangays Bilibinwang and Banyaga in Agoncillo, and Buso-buso, Gulod, and eastern Bugaan in Laurel, Batangas.
The agency also warned that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk areas should be prohibited. – jlo
