Taal Volcano records 29 quakes, 20 tremors in 24 hours

UCENA CITY — Taal Volcano recorded 29 volcanic earthquakes and 20 volcanic tremors over 24 hours, indicating continued unrest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Friday.

The volcanic tremors lasted between one and 11 minutes each. 

From Oct. 20 to 22, the volcano recorded 10 volcanic earthquakes and nine tremors, following 43 volcanic earthquakes and 10 tremors on Oct. 19, according to Phivolcs’ morning bulletin. 

READ: Taal Volcano logs 2 more minor phreatomagmatic eruptions

Phivolcs defines volcanic earthquakes as events “generated by magmatic processes or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano.” Unlike tectonic earthquakes, which result from the movement of fault fractures, volcanic earthquakes can arise from various processes associated with volcanic activity.

The latest increase in seismic activity comes amid a series of eight volcanic events recorded in recent days.

Phivolcs reported two phreatic, or steam-driven, eruptions on Oct. 19 and another on Oct. 20. An additional phreatic eruption was included in the agency’s Oct. 21 morning bulletin.

The agency also recorded a phreatomagmatic eruption on Oct. 8, two more on Oct. 21, and another on Oct. 22.

In its latest update, Phivolcs reported a weak sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission, estimated at 485 metric tons.

No volcanic smog or vog, or upwelling of hot fluids in the main crater lake, was observed during the monitoring period.

Despite the increased seismic activity and recent minor eruptions, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, boating on Taal Lake, and flying aircraft close to the volcano remain prohibited because of the continuing risk of sudden eruptions and other volcanic hazards./coa