Phivolcs warns residents to be vigilant despite Taal’s weaker volcanic activity: Phivolcs

January 13, 2020

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warns residents to remain vigilant despite a decrease in strength of Taal Volcano's eruption after it spewed lava early Monday. 

According to Phivolc's 8 am bulletin, Taal Volcano had a magmatic eruption at 2:49 am which lasted until 4:28 am. The activity was characterized by weak lava fountaining accompanied with lightning and thunder near the crater. 

In a press briefing, Phivolcs Chief Science Research Specialist Maria Antonia Bornas said they have recorded weaker volcanic activity following the lava eruption. 

But she explained frequent earthquakes in areas near the volcano signify stronger eruptions are still expected in the following hours. 

"The earthquakes that are being experienced in some areas warn that there are still magma intrusion happening  or lava escalating near the crater. It might cause more powerful and continuous eruption," said Bornas. 

"We must not immediately relax just because of the observed diminished energy of the volcano. This does not mean that it has completely rested," she added. 

A total of 75 volcanic earthquake has been recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network as of 5 am. 

"Thirty-two (32) of these earthquakes were felt with intensities ranging from Intensity II – V in Tagaytay City, Cabuyao, Laguna, Talisay, Alitagtag, Lemery and Bauan, Batangas. Such intense seismic activity probably signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity," said Phivolcs. 

Alert level four is raised posing possible hazardous explosive eruption within hours or days.

  Areas within 14-kilometer radius from Taal's main crater have high risk of pyroclastic density currents - or formation of clouds and steam with ashes, gas and rocks - as well as volcanic tsunami. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS