TAAL UNREST WORRIES RESIDENTS AND AGENCIES
PHIVOLCS affirms Alert Level 2 status for the general area around Taal Volcano, in Batangas, as volcanic activity increased in the last three days. Sulfur dioxide emissions and volcanic tremors have increased day by day, and volcanic plumes as high as 1,200 meters have been observed.
Continued Volcanic Activity Affirms Alert Level 2
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced that the activity and unrest at Taal Volcano in Batangas have increased in the last three days. PHIVOLCS has raised Alert Level 2 as sulfur dioxide emissions continue to be observed and are comparatively higher than last week.
According to PHIVOLCS, Taal Volcano spewed more than 4,000-plus tons of sulfur dioxide emissions yesterday, June 16, 2021. Last June 14, more than 5,800 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions were recorded. Likewise, more than 200 volcanic tremors were observed since June 14th, 2021.
Volcanic Plumes Signal Potential Ashfall Danger
Volcanic plumes 1,200 meters tall were also observed by PHIVOLCS in the last two days, prompting the agency and local government officials to advise for aircraft traffic to be minimized around the Taal area. Airborne ash from plume explosions, as well as wind-carried volcanic materials, can pose a great danger to aircraft passing through the area.
Disaster Response Activated and Ready
A Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) has been declared on Taal Volcano Island, as well as in the immediate vicinity of the Main Crater and Daang Kastila Fissure Trail. Local disaster response teams are being mobilized. Readiness and evacuation protocols are being put in place in all barangays around Taal Volcano for possible volcanic earthquakes and emissions of volcanic gases, including minor ashfall.
Taal was placed under Alert Level 1 last February 13, 2021, which was raised to Alert Level 2 last March 9, 2021. Prior to this unrest, Taal had erupted last January 12, 2020, affecting barangays in the immediate areas with 39 total casualties. Areas affected by the resulting ashfall included the Calabarzon area, reaching as far as Metro Manila and Pampanga.
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