Phivolcs records 14 volcanic earthquakes at Taal Volcano

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) — Fourteen volcanic earthquakes at Taal Volcano were recorded in the past 24 hours as it remained in a state of unrest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Sunday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Phivolcs said 10 volcanic tremors with duration of two to three minutes and four low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were logged in the past 24 hours.

The volcanic activity generated plumes 1,000 meters high that drifted southwest.

State seismologists also recorded high levels of emissions of volcanic sulfur dioxide, averaging 6,957 tons per day.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Executive Department is closely monitoring the situation.

Citing data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Andanar said there are 854 families or 2,894 people in 12 evacuation centers in Calabarzon as of 8 a.m. Sunday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also ready with quick response teams and standby food and non-food supplies when needed, he said.

“We urge all residents of affected barangays and communities to remain alert and vigilant, get news updates from trusted sources and authorities, and cooperate with concerned agencies while the volcano situation is being monitored for any developments,” he added.

The Phivolcs on Saturday raised the status of Taal Volcano to Alert Level 3 following a phreatomagmatic eruption or a “magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.”

A phreatomagmatic eruption is an explosion that occurs when magma and water interact.

State seismologists reminded the public that activities are still not allowed in the entire volcano island.