Volcanic earthquakes and tremors continue to jolt Taal Volcano in Batangas province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Friday morning.
According to its latest bulletin, Taal recorded 31 volcanic earthquakes and 13 volcanic tremors that lasted one to three minutes over the past 24 hours. The previous day, the volcano registered 41 quakes accompanied by 20 tremors.
From Oct. 1 to 31, Phivolcs documented a total of 367 volcanic earthquakes and 69 tremor episodes-marking a notable increase from September’s 189 quakes and 129 tremors.
The agency explained that volcanic earthquakes are caused by ‘magmatic or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano,’ while volcanic tremors are ‘continuous seismic signals with low frequencies (0.5-5 Hz) and a sine wave appearance.’
These tremors, it added, may result from magma movement, resonance within cracks or vents, or minor explosions inside the volcano.
The volcano also emitted 444 metric tons of sulfur dioxide and generated 600-meter-high plumes, which Phivolcs classified as ‘weak emissions.’
Despite the ongoing activity, the volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating an ‘abnormal condition’ and continued unrest.
‘At this level, sudden steam-driven or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and dangerous concentrations or releases of volcanic gas may occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island,’ Phivolcs warned.
The agency again reminded the public that entry into the island, boating on Taal Lake, and flying aircraft near the volcano remain strictly prohibited.