Phivolcs monitors 25 quakes at Taal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday reported that 25 volcanic quakes were recorded at the Taal Volcano area, a break from a relatively quiet week. 

The Phivolcs’ Earthquake Monitoring Center yesterday said that for the first week of May it was in the last 24 hours that Taal Volcano registered the most number of volcanic tremors with 25 quakes.

From May 1 to 6, the rumble at the volcano ranged between four to 15 quakes.

But despite the increase in the number of tremors, Phivolcs maintained an Alert level 2 over the Taal Volcano.

Phivolcs noted that, “magma has been intruding toward the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity.

Hence, Phivolcs advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.”

It warned that breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases could be lethal to humans, animals and even cause damage to vegetation.

The agency also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. 

Field measurements conducted at the eastern sector inside the Main Crater Lake on May 5 showed that the water temperature rose from 31.5 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. The water became more acidic with pH value decreasing from 3.09 to 2.94 and the water level further receded to 0.19 meters from the 0.23 meters as compared to the last reading on April 19.

Results of the ground deformation survey conducted around the Volcano Island on April 26 to 28 and April 5 to 11 showed that the volcano edifice was slightly inflated as compared to the survey conducted on Feb. 2 to 9, Phivolcs added.

The gas measurements conducted between May 3 to 4 at the Taal Main Crater yielded a CO2 emission rate of 2,057 tons per day. This emission value went down from 4,750 t/d in March, but still higher than the emission rates of 1,875 t/d measured last February.