The alert on Taal Volcano was lowered to alert level 1 for the significant decrease in its volcanic earthquakes and its main crater’s activity.
Roughly two months after its phreatic explosion last Jan. 12 wherein the volcano started spewing steam, ash and small rocks (alert level 3) that was then followed by a magmatic explosion (alert level 4) which affected over 100,000 families residing around the area, the volcano’s activity is now at the lowest alert level.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) downgraded the volcano’s alert status “to reflect the overall decreasing trend in the level of monitoring parameters” it says on its volcano bulletin.
Ever since it was downgraded to alert level 2 last Feb. 14, Taal Volcano’s status has mostly been characterized as “low-level earthquake activity due to an observed decline in the daily average of volcanic earthquakes, low concentrations of sulfur dioxide, and weak emission of steam-laden plumes” which is now referred to as “abnormal” activity as opposed to “decreased unrest.”
However, “alert level 1 means that the volcano is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted that unrest has ceased or that the threat of an eruption has disappeared.” Should an upsurge or an evident change in monitored areas be observed, Philvocs can still raise it to alert level 2.
At this lowest alert level, Phivolcs explained that sudden explosions, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can still occur and so, entry into the Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone including the Daang Kastila trail remains strictly prohibited.
Likewise, Phivolcs urges residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and prepared should the need for swift and organized evacuation arise.
Header photo courtesy of inquirer.net
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