TAAL VOLCANO ADVISORY

2 June 2023

7:00 PM

 

This is a notice of ongoing low-level activity in Taal Volcano.

 

Since 6:35 AM today, 2 June 2023, a relatively weak and shallow but continuous volcanic tremor generated by the Daang Kastila fissure has been recorded by all 15 seismic stations of the Taal Volcano Network. The event was accompanied by increased thermal anomalies on the northern portion and upwelling of volcanic fluids in the Taal Main Crater Lake detected by remote cameras. There has been a slight increase in SO₂ degassing in the past two weeks indicated by a rise in the average emissions to 5,360 tonnes/day between 22 May and 1 June 2023 from averages of less than 3,000 tonnes/day between 1 April and 21 May 2023. Simultaneous with this trend was a pronounced inflation of the southwest Volcano Island since the fourth week of May 2023 following a longer phase of deflation on this sector. These parameters indicate that shallow hydrothermal activity driven by a new phase of magma degassing at depth is currently taking place at Taal Volcano.

 

DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano, which means that it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity. Should current low-level activity worsen or pronounced changes in monitored parameters forewarn of increasing unrest, the Alert Level may be raised to Alert Level 2. At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited. Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest. People are also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall and minor earthquakes. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircrafts.

 

DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.

 

 

DOST-PHIVOLCS