Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 23) – Lightning activities seen at Taal Volcano on Sunday was not related to any volcanic activity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology clarified.
“There are no recorded and observed activities from the volcano monitoring network and IP cameras in Taal Volcano,” Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said in a statement.
The state-owned bureau made the notice after a video began circulating on social media which showed lightning at Taal Volcano.
Phivolcs added that according to its Taal Volcano Observatory, the lightning was due to a localized thunderstorm in the vicinity of Laurel, Batangas.
“There are thunderstorms in the area in southern Batangas but not over Taal Volcano,” said Solidum.
Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 2, which means there is an “increased unrest” in the volcano. Phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur in its general area.
CNN Philippines correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
