(PNA file photo)
MANILA – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum Jr. on Thursday reiterated the agency's advice to avoid entry to Taal Volcano Island (TVI), Taal's Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), due to the increasing tremors observed.
In a radio interview, Solidum said that for the past 24 hours, 134 volcanic tremor episodes were recorded there, which he described as a high number.
"Tremors are a manifestation of sustained hydrothermal activity, as the tremors are caused by the movement of gas and hot fluids," he told the Philippine News Agency.
"There is a possibility of steam-driven explosions. Hence, entry into the whole TVI should be prohibited," he added.
Phivolcs said the tremors lasted from one to 29 minutes. Only one volcanic earthquake was recorded for the past 24 hours.
Volcanic earthquakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano.
Activity at the main crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 5 meters high, according to Phivolcs.
Alert level 1 (abnormal) is maintained over the Taal Volcano. Last February, Phivolcs issued an advisory noting the increased hydrothermal activity beneath the TVI.
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 TVI.
Phivolcs also advised the public not to enter the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
Local government units were also advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake. (PNA)
In a radio interview, Solidum said that for the past 24 hours, 134 volcanic tremor episodes were recorded there, which he described as a high number.
"Tremors are a manifestation of sustained hydrothermal activity, as the tremors are caused by the movement of gas and hot fluids," he told the Philippine News Agency.
"There is a possibility of steam-driven explosions. Hence, entry into the whole TVI should be prohibited," he added.
Phivolcs said the tremors lasted from one to 29 minutes. Only one volcanic earthquake was recorded for the past 24 hours.
Volcanic earthquakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano.
Activity at the main crater consisted of weak emission of steam-laden plumes from fumarolic vents that rose 5 meters high, according to Phivolcs.
Alert level 1 (abnormal) is maintained over the Taal Volcano. Last February, Phivolcs issued an advisory noting the increased hydrothermal activity beneath the TVI.
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 TVI.
Phivolcs also advised the public not to enter the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
Local government units were also advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake. (PNA)
