Taal volcano records 666 earthquakes amid continued eruption warning

Taal Volcano recorded 666 volcanic earthquakes, with 174 felt by people, and Phivolcs continues to warn that a hazardous explosive eruption remains possible.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized that an eruption could occur in any of the 47 craters on Taal Volcano Island, not just the Main Crater, urging residents to stay away from high-risk areas.

Sulfur dioxide emission from Taal averaged 344 tonnes per day in the past 24 hours, a decrease from the previous 4,353 tonnes per day recorded on January 20, though levels have fluctuated.

Weak steam-laden plumes reaching 600 meters were observed, dispersing ash to the southwest of the main crater.

Despite a drop in tremors and SO2 emissions, Phivolcs stated that magma is still present and moving upward, indicating the potential for further eruptive activity.

Alert Level 4 remains in effect, and total evacuation within a 14-km radius from the main crater and along the Pansipit River is still advised.