Taal Volcano remains on alert level 3 amid increased tremors

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating that sudden steam-driven and even weak phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ash fall, and lethal volcanic gas expulsions can still occur.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observed weak emissions of white steam-laden plumes that reached 50 meters high and drifted southwest.

The Taal Volcano network recorded a significantly higher number of volcanic earthquakes, from 116 volcanic earthquakes on Friday to 182 tremors on Saturday, including low-frequency and harmonic events, signifying continued magmatic activity.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission from Taal Volcano has been below instrumental detection for the third time this week, though Phivolcs stated this alone is not a basis to lower the alert level.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal Lake, and communities west of the volcano island within a seven-kilometer radius from the main crater is strictly prohibited due to potential hazards.

Communities beside active river channels should increase vigilance during heavy rainfall due to the risk of lahar formation from previously deposited ash.

Civil aviation authorities were advised to warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano due to potential ash hazards.