Phivolcs Says New Taal Eruption Possible. Forces Evacuation.


As of 8:00am 18 February 2021, the official website of Phivolcs, posted the report below. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is a service institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that is principally mandated to mitigate disasters that may arise from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other related geotectonic phenomena.

In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded ninety-one (91) tremor episodes having durations of one (1) to five (5) minutes. Activity in the Main Crater consisted of weak emission of white steam-laden plumes from fumaroles that rose 5 meters high. Temperature highs of 77.1°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on 12 February 2021. 

Ground deformation parameters from continuous electronic tilt on Volcano Island record a slight deflation around the Main Crater since October 2020 but overall, very slow and steady inflation of the Taal region has been recorded by continuous GPS data after the eruption.

Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) is maintained over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that 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 the Taal Volcano Island (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 aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.

Source: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/taal-volcano-bulletin-menu/11302-taal-volcano-bulletin-18-february-2021-08-00-a-m

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