Taal Volcano eruption feared

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday raised Alert Level 2 over Taal Volcano as it expressed fear of another eruption because of the rising of magma and increased seismic activity.

“With this alert status, the present activities could eventually lead to an eruption,” Phivolcs said.

“In view of the observations at Taal Volcano and the interpretation that magma has been intruding toward the surface, as manifested by carbon dioxide being released in its main crater and increase in seismic activity, the volcano’s status is now raised to Alert Level 2,” Phivolcs said in its bulletin issued on Saturday.

Several parameters monitored by Phivolcs have shown that there were significant changes in Taal Volcano’s activity the past week.

Phivolcs observed that seismic activity at Taal Volcano “continues to worsen” as the number of volcanic earthquakes gradually increased and its depths became shallow.

Likewise, the number of earthquakes felt around the volcano has increased, with intensities that ranged from 2 to 3 and one of them was accompanied by rumbling sounds.

From nine volcanic earthquakes last Friday, 21 quakes were detected on Saturday.

In addition, gas measurements conducted at Taal’s main crater-lake yielded increased carbon dioxide emissions from 1,875 tons per day (t/d) in February to 4,670 t/d during the last week of March.

Phivolcs explained that the “remarkable” increase in carbon dioxide concentration indicates that its release is detected from the depth of magma.

As for the result of ground deformation survey around the volcano conducted this week, Phivolcs found out that the volcano edifice is still inflated.

Steaming activities at the northern and northeast sides of Taal Volcano’s main crater also occasionally intensified and sometimes the steaming activity is accompanied by audible hissing sounds.

Phivolcs advised the public that the main crater, Daang Kastila trail, and Mt. Tabaro eruption site are “strictly off-limits” because of sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions that may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.

“Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals, and even cause damage to vegetation,” it said.

“It is reminded that entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone, and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended,” it added.

Taal police chief Manuel Maligaya said officials have instructed lake resort owners not to allow guests to visit the volcanic island.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos said policemen are now posted along the road leading to Daang Kastila trail and Mt Tabaro, which are now declared strictly “off limits” following the raising of Alert Level 2.

The volcano has erupted more than 30 times since the 16th century. An eruption in 1911 killed nearly 2,000 people.
source: mb.com.ph