By Pearl Gumapos
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday night lowered Taal Volcano’s alert level status from level 3 (magmatic unrest) to level 2 (decreased unrest).
“Following the phreatomagmatic eruption of the main crater on July 1, and 19 weak phreatomagmatic bursts caused by the interaction of magma and water until July 9, there has been a cessation of eruptive activity at Taal Volcano,” Phivolcs said in an advisory.
However, despite lowering the volcano’s alert level status, Phivolcs said there still remains an eruption threat.
Volcanic unrest has been characterized by renewed seismic activity, generally declining volcanic gas emission, very slight ground deformation, and positive microgravity anomalies.
Since July 1, Phivolcs has recorded a total of 1,195 volcanic earthquakes caused by the movement or eruption of magma from the volcano.
Said volcanic earthquakes had magnitudes that ranged from 1.8 to 4.6.
Most of the earthquakes occurred beneath the main crater and the northeastern sector of the Taal Volcano Island (TVI), showing the migration of shallow degassed magma, volcanic gas, and/or hydrothermal fluids beneath these areas.
Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 12,161 tonnes per day in the first week of July, with the highest emission of 22,628 tonnes per day recorded on July 4.
The average SO2 declined to 4,763 tonnes per day between July 8 and July 22.
“The decrease in degassing activity reflects the diminishing volumes of accumulated volcanic gas beneath TVI, as well as the ‘scrubbing’ effects of rainfall-fed water recharge into Taal’s hydrothermal system,” Phivolcs said.
Activity in the main crater has also been characterized by the generation of moderate steam-laden plumes and periodic but generally less vigorous lake upwelling, consistent with decreased magmatic degassing.
Sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the TVI and along its coast.
Phivolcs also advised local government units to assess previously evacuated areas within the 7 km. radius for damage and road accessibility, and strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest. -rir