Taal Volcano records 162 quakes in 6 days amid rising activity

LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano in Batangas has shown signs of renewed unrest after recording 162 volcanic earthquakes over the past six days, according to data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Taal recorded 34 volcanic earthquakes and one episode of volcanic tremor lasting 256 minutes in its latest bulletin on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

READ: Taal volcano sulfur dioxide emissions drop but seismic unrest persists

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The increase in seismic activity followed a series of elevated readings in recent days. Taal recorded 14 volcanic earthquakes on Aug. 20, followed by 46 on Aug. 21, 29 on Aug. 22, 19 on Aug. 23, and 20 on Aug. 24.

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Phivolcs also recorded nine episodes of volcanic tremor over the six-day period.

From Aug. 16 to 19, Taal registered only single-digit numbers of volcanic seismic events each day.

Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are generated by magma-related processes beneath an active volcano, distinguishing them from tectonic earthquakes, which are caused by movements along faults.

Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous seismic signals characterized by low-frequency oscillations that typically last for more than a minute.

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In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs also reported sulfur dioxide emissions of 271 metric tons, classified as “weak.”

No upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed in the main crater lake on Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which lies in the middle of Taal Lake. No volcanic smog, or “vog,” was detected either.

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Despite the continued seismic activity, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating a low level of unrest. 

Authorities reiterated that entry into TVI, designated as the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone, remains strictly prohibited, particularly in the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

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Civil aviation authorities have also been advised to warn pilots against flying over TVI, as ash from a sudden eruption could pose a hazard to aircraft. /dp