Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 27) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has maintained Alert Level 1 in Taal despite increased tremors recorded in the 24 hours to 8 a.m. of Saturday.
The agency explained that at this level, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur. Entry to the Taal Volcano Island and the permanent danger zone is prohibited, it added.
Local government units were also advised to continuously assess and prepare in case of renewed unrest. Some residents living on Taal Island, which has been declared a no man’s land, were evacuated last week as a precautionary move.
In latest update Saturday, Phivolcs said it recorded 130 volcanic tremor episodes, with durations of one to five minutes, during the last 24-hour period. This increased from six on Monday, two on Wednesday, 69 on Thursday, and 113 on Friday.
Despite this, the volcano only emitted weak steam-laden plumes, as well as “very slow and steady inflation of the Taal region.”
