By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – Three short-lived phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded in the Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday (Nov. 23).
In its volcano bulletin, Phivolcs said the bursts occurred at 8:11 a.m., 8:17 p.m., and 8:34 p.m. on Monday (Nov. 22), lasting 1 minute to 5 minutes and producing plumes 200 meters to 1,500 meters tall.
Phivolcs said these phreatomagmatic bursts were likely driven by fracturing and gas release from resting magma beneath the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
A total of six phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded since November 15, according to Phivolcs.
Meanwhile, 30 volcanic earthquakes caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano were also recorded in the past 24 hours — 23 volcanic tremors that lasted 2 minutes to 5 minutes, four low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and three hybrid volcanic earthquakes.
Hybrid earthquakes indicate rock fracturing and magma or fluid movement.
Activity at the main crater was dominated by the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake, which generated plumes 2,100 meters tall. Sulfur dioxide emission averaged 6,643 tonnes/day.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which means that sudden steam or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the TVI.
Entry into the island is strictly prohibited.
Phivolcs urged local government officials to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest. (PNA) – bny
