PHIVOLCS lowers Taal Volcano alert level to 2

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has lowered the alert level of Taal Volcano from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.

This decision was made following a cessation of eruptive activity and a general decline in volcanic gas emission, ground deformation, and microgravity anomalies observed since July 9.

PHIVOLCS stated that Alert Level 2 indicates decreased unrest, but the possibility of an eruption has not entirely disappeared.

Since the initial eruption on July 1, a total of 1,195 volcanic earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 1.9 to 4.6, have been recorded.

The majority of these earthquakes were concentrated beneath the main crater and the northeastern sector of Taal Volcano Island.

During the first week of July, Taal Volcano emitted an average of 12,161 tonnes of sulfur dioxide daily, with the highest emission reaching 22,628 tonnes per day on July 4.