Phivolcs now closely monitoring Bulusan, too

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is closely monitoring not just Taal volcano but also Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon which has shown increased seismic activity in the past 24 hours.

Phivolcs recorded at least 13 volcanic quakes around the restive Taal volcano in Batangas in the past 24 hours.

The agency has been monitoring Taal since April 9 when it showed restiveness and increased water temperature in its main crater lake.

In its latest advisory, Phivolcs said one of the 13 quakes detected around Taal occurred at around 3:17 p.m. Tuesday and was felt at Intensity 3 in Barangay Calauit on the southeastern part of the island, accompanied by rumbling sound, and Intensity 1 in Barangay Pira-piraso at the northeastern side.

Phivolcs recorded six volcanic quakes around Taal on Tuesday, and also noted an increase in the temperature in the main crater lake from 30.5 to 31.5 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs noted increased activity at Mt. Bulusan after several weeks of calm.

A total of 13 quakes were detected in the last 24 hours, higher than the six recorded on Tuesday.

Alert level 2 remains in effect at Taal which means that magma has been intruding toward the surface, Phivolcs said.

Alert level 2 indicates unrest probably of magmatic origin that could eventually lead to eruption, it added.

Bulusan’s status, according to Phivolcs, remains at Alert level 1 which means that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow.

Alert level 1 also means that no hazardous eruption is imminent.

But Phivolcs continues to warn the public against entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to sudden steam and ash explosions.