Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24)— The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Wednesday said it has recorded an “elevated increase” in Taal Volcano’s seismic activity, with parameters indicating growing chances of a magmatic eruption.
In an advisory, Phivolcs said it has tallied a total of 2,015 volcanic tremors, 734 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and 18 hybrid earthquakes in Taal since it first went on a stage of unrest on Feb. 13.
“Overall seismic energy release has markedly increased since yesterday afternoon compared to previous seismic swarms. Sulfur dioxide gas emission in the previous week has been generally high,” Phivolcs said.
“The above parameters indicate that magma has been migrating across shallow depths beneath [Taal Volcano Island], increasing the possibilities of magmatic eruption,” it warned.
The volcano in Batangas has been placed under Alert Level 2 earlier this month — a status given when there is probable magmatic activity that may or may not lead to an eruption.
Phivolcs said the alert level stays, but stressed that Taal’s activity is constantly being evaluated.
The institute reminded the public anew that entry into the Taal Volcano Island, as well as “occupancy and boating” on Taal Lake, must be strictly prohibited.
